US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner landed in Moscow on Saturday to discuss a plan to end more than four years of war between Russia and Ukraine. Sent by US President Donald Trump, the pair are expected to travel on to Kyiv after their talks in Moscow. This marks Washington's latest bid to break a diplomatic stalemate in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to disrupt the envoys' visit with overnight strikes on Kyiv's two airports and a civilian target in the Dnipro region that killed five people. Zelensky stated that these strikes were a reaction to the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine. He assured that there would be 'no threats to diplomacy' from the Ukrainian side.
This will be the first time that Trump's businessman friend Witkoff and son-in-law Kushner have visited war-torn Kyiv since Trump returned to office last year with a pledge to resolve the conflict. Travelling to Kyiv by plane would be highly unusual, as Ukrainian airspace has been closed since 2022 due to the war. The envoys are expected in Kyiv on Sunday, where they will continue their peace efforts.
Background and Context
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022 and has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Previous peace efforts have stalled, partly due to Washington's war with Iran and the intensification of long-range attacks by both Russia and Ukraine. The US envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, have been involved in previous negotiations for ceasefires in other regions, such as Gaza and Iran.
The renewed push for diplomacy comes amid ongoing long-range missile and drone attacks by both sides. Just hours before Trump's announcement on Friday, a Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service in central Kyiv. Despite this, Zelensky proposed observing a ceasefire with Russia for the duration of the US envoys' trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- **What is the purpose of the US envoys' visit to Moscow and Kyiv?** The purpose of the visit is to discuss a peace plan to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
- **Who are the US envoys visiting Moscow and Kyiv?** The US envoys are Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both sent by US President Donald Trump.
- **What has been the response from Ukraine to the envoys' visit?** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to disrupt the visit with overnight strikes on Kyiv's airports and a civilian target in the Dnipro region.
- **What is the current state of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?** The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, with both sides engaging in long-range missile and drone attacks. Previous peace efforts have stalled due to various factors, including Washington's war with Iran.



























