US President Donald Trump has sent two senior envoys to pursue renewed peace efforts in Ukraine. The move aims to break the ongoing diplomatic deadlock.
The envoys are Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They are expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before travelling to Kyiv.
According to US media reports, the meetings are planned across the weekend. A senior Ukrainian official said the envoys were expected in Kyiv on Sunday.
Trump said the negotiators would assess whether meaningful progress toward peace was possible. He also confirmed that they were carrying a proposal to end the war.
The US president said the two envoys had performed well in previous negotiations. He expressed hope that their latest diplomatic mission could produce progress.
Trump did not confirm whether the proposal requires Ukraine to surrender territory. He said Washington has developed an idea aimed at achieving peace.
The mission represents another US effort to address the conflict. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The war has continued despite several diplomatic efforts. Recent negotiations have struggled to produce a lasting agreement.
Peace efforts have also faced challenges because of the wider conflict involving Washington and Iran. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have increased long-range attacks.
These attacks have caused growing civilian casualties. The latest violence has added urgency to renewed diplomatic efforts.
The visit will also mark Witkoff and Kushner’s first trip to Kyiv since Trump returned to office. Trump has repeatedly pledged to help end the Ukraine conflict.
Both envoys have previously participated in international diplomatic efforts. They have travelled to Moscow several times during earlier negotiations.
Witkoff and Kushner have also been involved in ceasefire discussions involving Gaza and Iran. Their latest assignment places them at the centre of renewed Ukraine diplomacy.
Russia and Ukraine Continue Fighting
The diplomatic initiative comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues. Both sides have used missiles and drones in long-range attacks.
Hours before Trump announced the mission, a Russian drone struck an SBU headquarters in central Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack targeted the office of the agency’s acting chief. He described it as the first strike on the headquarters since the invasion began.
Despite the attack, Zelensky proposed a temporary ceasefire during the envoys’ visit. He called on Russia to reciprocate the arrangement.
Zelensky said Ukraine would avoid airstrikes during the period needed for talks. Russia had not immediately responded to the proposal.
The violence continued elsewhere in Ukraine. Oleksandr Ganzha reported that a Russian strike killed four people in Kamianske.
Five other people were reportedly wounded in the southeastern city. The incident highlighted the continuing risks facing civilians.
Zelensky had earlier warned that Russian airspace would remain dangerous. He said Ukrainian drones would continue operating while Russia pursued the war.
US Continues Diplomatic Engagement
The latest mission follows other high-level US contacts with Russia. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently visited Moscow, according to US media reports.
Ratcliffe reportedly warned Russia against attacking NATO member states. His visit came during growing concerns about regional security.
The United States has also maintained contact with Russian officials. Washington recently welcomed Russia’s finance minister at a G20 meeting in North Carolina.
The diplomatic contacts show continued US efforts to maintain communication. However, major differences between Moscow and Kyiv remain unresolved.
The envoys will now attempt to determine whether those differences can be reduced. Their meetings could provide an indication of whether negotiations can move forward.
The outcome of the mission remains uncertain. Both Russia and Ukraine face continued military pressure as diplomatic efforts resume.
For now, the envoys are expected to focus on the possibility of a peace agreement. Their discussions in Moscow and Kyiv could shape the next stage of US-led diplomacy.
The mission gives Washington another opportunity to test the prospects for negotiations. The coming meetings will show whether the latest proposal can bring the sides closer.
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