Washington’s special envoys have delivered a revised set of proposals aimed at ending the war with Russia to Kyiv, describing the plan as “more effective” than previous iterations. A senior Ukrainian presidential official confirmed the development to AFP on Sunday, noting that while negotiations continue, the current approach represents a distinct shift from earlier efforts.
The envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Sunday, marking their first visit to Kyiv since the conflict began more than four years ago. Their trip follows a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day, where they engaged in substantive discussions about potential pathways to a settlement.
Both US representatives offered optimistic assessments of the dialogue, though neither reported any immediate breakthroughs. Witkoff, a close business ally of President Donald Trump, stated that both sides recognize the necessity of compromise. “We think we have the ingredients to get to that place,” Witkoff said, adding that the discussions were meaningful and that the US remains committed to continuing the process for as long as it takes. Kushner echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that the trip had generated new methods to advance the peace effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the visit gratefully but tempered expectations regarding an imminent end to the fighting. He told reporters that the war appeared likely to extend into the winter, emphasizing Ukraine’s reliance on support from European partners if the conflict persists. Zelensky also highlighted the importance of a direct meeting between leaders to resolve territorial disputes.
“The main thing is to achieve peace for Ukraine — a dignified, reliable, and lasting peace,” Zelensky wrote on X. He confirmed that Ukraine would hold talks with the United States, France, and Germany, praising the presence of European representatives and stating, “Here we are all on the same side.”
The US delegation traveled to Kyiv via the “Peace Express” train, departing from Kyiv Central Station. Ukrainian airspace had remained closed throughout the visit due to the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. As a precaution during the envoys’ stay, both Russia and Ukraine pledged not to target each other’s capitals.
A White House official indicated that the “substantive plans” discussed in Moscow would be announced in the coming weeks. The Kremlin similarly noted that the Americans had presented several ideas for a settlement, though Moscow continues to demand recognition of territories it claims as Russian—terms that Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Despite the diplomatic activity, skepticism remains high among Ukrainians. Nataliia Lipekh, 67, expressed the need for international help given the blood already spilled on Ukrainian soil. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Yaroslav voiced disillusionment, stating he had seen too many failed negotiation processes to hold out hope for a breakthrough at this time.
Kushner and Witkoff in Kyiv marks a dramatic shift. But given the Kremlin’s land demands, I’m skeptical any deal reaches signing stage anytime soon.
Zelensky’s realism about winter is stark. Hope these ‘effective’ plans actually address territorial integrity, not just ceasefire terms.