US envoys head Russia,Ukraine for talks
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Russia and Ukraine this weekend in a bid to revive negotiations aimed at ending the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that the two envoys would visit Moscow on Saturday and Sunday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they would travel to Ukraine on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump said the envoys would carry a proposal aimed at ending the war. “We have an idea for peace,” Trump told reporters on Friday, declining to say whether the proposal would require Ukraine to cede territory.
Witkoff and Kushner last visited Moscow in January. US-led mediation efforts have since largely stalled, while Russia and Ukraine have continued attacks against each other.
Zelenskyy said Kyiv would refrain from launching strikes during the envoys’ visit to Russia and urged Moscow to take reciprocal measures when the US officials arrive in Ukraine.
“Our goal is the most constructive, meaningful visit and negotiations with the American side,” Zelenskyy said. “We need to look for real options to bring this war to an end.”
Territorial issue remains key
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described negotiations as “frozen”. However, speaking at an economic forum in Russia’s Far East, he said several countries, including the United States and China, were ready to support a peace agreement.
“Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is,” Putin said, according to Reuters.
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov previously said a long-term settlement would not be possible without resolving the territorial issue.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he was seeing a “new dynamic” in diplomatic efforts, with greater political engagement.
Russian strike hits SBU headquarters
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid continued fighting.
A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv on Friday, according to Zelenskyy. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 12 people were injured.
Sybiha condemned the attack as a “major escalation” and accused Moscow of undermining diplomatic efforts.
Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range strikes in recent months, targeting military, energy and other infrastructure far from the front line.
Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, both sides continue to trade attacks, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and peace agreement.
