US envoys Witkoff and Kushner travel to Kyiv after talks with Putin

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to Kyiv after the White House described their recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “substantive.” The delegation’s visit follows a series of high‑level talks aimed at de‑escalating the conflict that has persisted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Washington officials said the conversations with Moscow covered a range of issues, including the potential for humanitarian corridors, the release of prisoners, and steps toward a broader diplomatic framework, although no concrete agreements have been announced.

France 24 correspondent Gulliver Cragg noted that, despite the diplomatic overtures, a climate of scepticism remains among many Ukrainians who doubt the prospects of a breakthrough. Cragg highlighted that the arrival of the U.S. envoys could signal a renewed push for dialogue, but emphasized that any progress will depend on the willingness of both sides to make substantive concessions. The upcoming meetings in Kyiv are expected to assess the outcomes of the Putin talks and determine the next steps in the international effort to resolve the conflict.