US Peace Push Enters New Phase as Trump Envoys Meet Putin and Zelenskyy

KYIV — The United States has intensified its diplomatic effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war after President Donald Trump’s envoys held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv for discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The meetings represent one of Washington’s most direct attempts in recent months to restart negotiations that have struggled to produce a breakthrough. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner described the Kyiv discussions as substantive and expressed optimism that negotiations could move forward, although major disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv remain unresolved.

Envoys Move Between Moscow and Kyiv

Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow for roughly three hours before traveling onward to Ukraine. The Kremlin described the discussions as useful, while U.S. officials indicated that ideas for possible next steps had been discussed.

Their subsequent journey to Kyiv marked their first official visit to the Ukrainian capital since taking on their current diplomatic roles.

The unusual sequence — meeting Putin first and then Zelenskyy — was intended to allow Washington to communicate with both sides directly and explore whether stalled negotiations could be restarted.

Zelenskyy Seeks Stronger Security Guarantees

Ukraine’s priorities remain substantially different from Moscow’s.

During the Kyiv discussions, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of security guarantees and continued Western military assistance. Air-defense systems, including Patriot missiles, were among the issues discussed as Ukraine prepares for another difficult winter.

Ukraine is particularly concerned about attacks on its electricity and energy infrastructure during the colder months, when damage to power and heating systems could have severe consequences for civilians.

No Immediate Peace Agreement

Despite positive statements from the American delegation, the meetings did not produce an immediate agreement to end the war.

Zelenskyy has indicated that fighting could continue into the winter, while Russia continues to insist on its own conditions for a settlement. The two sides remain divided over territory, security arrangements and the future relationship between Ukraine and Western institutions.

That means Washington still faces a difficult diplomatic task: persuading Moscow and Kyiv that a negotiated settlement can protect their most important interests.

Washington Wants Trilateral Talks

Kushner has indicated that the United States would like to revive a trilateral negotiating format involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States.

American officials believe direct communication among the parties could reduce misunderstandings and allow negotiators to focus on the most difficult questions rather than relying exclusively on intermediaries.

Such talks would still face major obstacles, particularly over territory and long-term security guarantees.

Europe Also Has a Role

European officials are increasingly involved in discussions surrounding Ukraine’s future.

European security advisers participated in portions of the Kyiv meetings, highlighting the importance of European governments in any eventual settlement. Ukraine is expected to seek continued European military, financial and political support regardless of whether negotiations resume.

For Washington, maintaining coordination with European allies could be crucial because any long-term security arrangement for Ukraine would likely require European participation.

Winter Raises the Pressure

The approach of winter is adding urgency to the diplomatic effort.

Ukraine faces another period in which attacks against energy infrastructure could have an outsized impact on civilians. At the same time, Russia has continued military operations, while Kyiv has sought ways to increase pressure on Russian military and energy infrastructure.

Both sides therefore have strong reasons to assess whether renewed diplomacy could alter the course of the conflict.

A Difficult Path Ahead

The latest meetings have generated cautious optimism but have not resolved the central disagreements.

The Trump administration is now attempting to convert separate discussions with Moscow and Kyiv into a structured negotiating process. The next step could involve renewed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, potentially with Washington playing a central mediating role.

Whether that effort succeeds will depend largely on whether Russia and Ukraine are prepared to compromise on issues that have previously prevented a settlement.

For now, the diplomatic channel remains open. After years of fighting and several unsuccessful negotiation attempts, Washington is betting that direct engagement with both capitals could create a new opportunity for peace.