US Envoys Meet with Zelensky in Kyiv Following Talks with Putin

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky held a round of talks in Kyiv with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, marking their first visit since Russia's full-scale invasion. Witkoff described the discussions as 'substantive' and expressed that the US team felt 'encouraged' by the talks. Kushner stated that President Trump had tasked them with finding a way to end the war and establish conditions for a long-term peace. Zelensky indicated that Ukraine was prepared to discuss measures to expedite the end of the war, emphasizing the need for security guarantees and a dignified post-war peace. Kushner acknowledged Trump's determination to see an end to the conflict and expressed gratitude to the UK, Germany, and France for their peace efforts. Witkoff praised Zelensky for his hospitality during their visit. The envoys traveled to Kyiv by train after flying to Poland, as landing their plane was not feasible. Meanwhile, Zelensky reported that Russian and Ukrainian forces continued to exchange strikes, with Ukraine confirming attacks on an oil refinery and air defense systems. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack, with their defenses intercepting a majority of the threats. In Moscow, the US envoys met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks characterized as 'frank' and 'constructive' by the Kremlin. Putin's adviser noted that discussions included economic issues and potential Russian-American projects, alongside the ongoing conflict. Despite recent escalations in attacks, Russian ground forces have made slow advances in the conflict, maintaining control over approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.