US peace envoys are scheduled to visit both Moscow and Kyiv this weekend, marking their initial trip to the Ukrainian capital for direct discussions on the conflict. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner plan to arrive in Moscow, then proceed to Kyiv on September 5th and 6th. They aim to hold consultations regarding a peaceful resolution for the protracted war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the upcoming visit. He stated that the envoys had assured him of their return to Moscow and their first journey to Kyiv “in the coming days.” Zelenskyy expressed his anticipation for these key meetings in the Ukrainian capital.
Previously, these White House representatives have made multiple trips to Moscow. However, they had not visited Kyiv, a situation which Ukraine viewed as a slight. Ukraine has been requesting a visit to its capital for several months.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum this week. He affirmed that constructive peaceful negotiations remain a possibility. Putin also thanked countries like the United States and China for advocating a political settlement to the conflict.
Despite this, Putin emphasized that Russia and Ukraine are the primary parties who must reach an agreement. He further acknowledged that Russian and Ukrainian intelligence services maintain contact, even amid significant tensions. This indicates some ongoing, albeit limited, communication channels.
However, Putin criticized recent “threats of attacks” by Ukraine targeting civilian aviation. He stated these actions significantly hinder the prospects for bilateral peace negotiations. Putin described such threats as a manifestation of “state terrorism.”
Earlier in the week, Putin had declared that “you don’t negotiate with terrorists.” He warned that Moscow would respond decisively to any such provocations. This underscores a tense backdrop for the upcoming discussions by the US peace envoys.
