Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for three hours Saturday at the Kremlin to discuss the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting and described it as productive.
According to ABC News, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the discussion as "substantive, constructive, exceptionally candid, and conducted in a spirit of trust." The talks centered on a ceasefire proposal that President Donald Trump and Ukrainian officials indicated the envoys were bringing to Moscow.
It remains unclear whether the new proposal differs substantially from previous offers. Putin has recently signaled that his territorial demands in Ukraine remain unchanged, which Ukraine has called unacceptable.
The Kremlin statement said Putin confirmed his intention to keep working with the Americans toward a political and diplomatic resolution. The full Kremlin statement read: "Our president confirmed his intention to continue working jointly with the Americans to seek political and diplomatic solutions. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner promised to use, during tomorrow's contacts in Kyiv, the observations and assessments they had received personally from the President of Russia concerning the path toward a lasting peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine."
Before the meeting began, Putin expressed his "best wishes and words of gratitude to the President of the United States, Mr. Trump," according to video posted by the Kremlin. He also described the situation as "difficult" ahead of the negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would hold off on drone and missile strikes targeting Moscow during the visit. He urged Russia to do the same when the envoys travel to Kyiv on Sunday.
Following Saturday's talks, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president's special representative for investment and economic cooperation, posted what appeared to be farewell photos on social media showing himself alongside Witkoff and Kushner in front of a U.S. government plane. The caption read: "important peacemaking visit."
Al Jazeera reported that the meeting was aimed at reviving stalled negotiations to end the conflict. The war has dragged on without a breakthrough, and previous ceasefire attempts have not produced a lasting agreement.
Witkoff and Kushner are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on Sunday.
