In brief
US peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Moscow on Saturday and Kyiv on Sunday, signalling a new push for a settlement in the Ukraine conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed attendance, while Russian President Vladimir Putin noted a chance for a deal if Kyiv and Moscow merge their positions. The talks come after a drone strike on the Ukrainian security chief’s office, but in spite of this, dialogue is moving forward amid tense negotiations over territorial concessions. The visit reflects ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to broker peace, with both sides wary of the other’s demands.
By Jaroslav Lukiv – 4 September 2026, 15:27 BST
US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have led President Donald Trump’s peace‑making attempts, are scheduled to travel to Moscow on Saturday and Kyiv on Sunday. This move comes as efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine grow.
Zelensky confirmed his readiness to meet the envoys, presenting the visit as a potential stepping‑stone toward a broader diplomatic settlement.
Despite previous trips to Russia that have yet to yield a comprehensive agreement with Ukraine, the imminent talks may inject fresh momentum into stalled negotiations.
Zelensky reported that a Russian drone struck the office of Ukrainian security chief Oleksandr Poklad in Kyiv, though Poklad reportedly sustained no injuries. He instructed Poklad to “respond adequately.”
During the invitation, Zelensky pledged to secure Ukrainian airspace for Russian flights, while Russia’s state news agency Tass said the envoys were expected to arrive in Moscow and Kyiv between 5‑6 September.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the government would update the public once the talks occur, but no details were disclosed beforehand.
President Putin hinted at chances for a peace deal during an economic forum, urging both capitals to forge agreements. However, Moscow’s demands for substantial territorial concessions remain a sticking point for Kyiv and its European partners.
The conflict, ignited in February 2022, has seen Russia occupy roughly 20 % of Ukrainian territory.
