Witkoff confident of ‘good resolution’ after Kyiv meeting, as US pushes for trilateral talks

U.S. envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently concluded a weekend of diplomatic efforts, traveling to Moscow and Kyiv in early September 2026, aimed at restarting negotiations to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which Russia described as "constructive, frank and useful" though without immediate breakthroughs, the envoys proceeded to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both Witkoff and Kushner expressed confidence in achieving a "good resolution" and emphasized pursuing a diplomatic rather than kinetic solution to the conflict.

During their first official visit to the Ukrainian capital, which occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Witkoff and Kushner engaged in "encouraging" and "substantive" discussions with President Zelenskyy. The envoys advocated for the revival of trilateral talks involving Russia and Ukraine, a format last utilized approximately six months prior, with hopes for progress "very soon". Witkoff also expressed optimism for the swift announcement of trilateral meetings that would include the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations.

The diplomatic push, which came after a period where U.S. focus had shifted to the Iran war, sought to establish a framework for a durable peace. Both sides would need to make compromises to narrow their differences, according to Witkoff. Notably, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day suspension of airstrikes to facilitate the envoys' visit, providing a temporary reprieve for Kyiv.