US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner announced in Kyiv on Sunday, Sept. 6, that their negotiations in Moscow yielded “significant progress” and expressed optimism that a return to a trilateral negotiation format between the US, Ukraine, and Russia could be announced in the near future.
Speaking to journalists following high-level meetings in the Ukrainian capital with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European national security advisers, the American emissaries outlined the substance of their regional diplomatic mission.
“I think we made significant progress in Moscow. We heard new ideas,” Witkoff said, according to Ukrinform, 24 Channel and European Pravda.
“You heard President Zelensky talk about trilateral negotiations, which we hope will be announced shortly. There were many other important, compelling ideas that we discussed in Moscow and that were presented here in Kyiv. We believe cooperation is critical.”
Kushner, son-in-law to US President Donald Trump, described their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening as “very constructive and substantive.” He noted that discussions examined why earlier peace formulas had stalled while exploring the foundational conditions required for an enduring settlement.
“We really tried to think through what elements are needed for the durable peace we’ve been talking about,” Kushner said. “What Russia can get out of this, what Ukraine can get out of this, and what the world can get out of this. And it was a very good dialogue. We asked a lot of questions; he asked a lot of questions.”
Kushner highlighted that returning to a formal trilateral diplomatic track represents a key objective for Washington. “One thing Steve and I believe is productive is returning to a trilateral format. We’ve spoken to both sides, so hopefully very soon we will achieve progress on this matter,” he stated.
Trump’s peace framework
Addressing the mechanics of their diplomacy, Kushner revealed that the American team maintains continuous, direct contact with Kyiv’s top security and diplomatic officials, even during periods when the envoys are not physically present in Ukraine.
“The fact that we hadn’t traveled [to Ukraine before now] does not mean we weren’t communicating,” Kushner explained. “The conversations we have with Rustem [Umerov], Kyrylo [Budanov], Davyd [Arakhamia], and Sergiy [Kyslytsya] happen on an almost daily basis.”
Kushner added that the delegation engages directly with President Zelensky whenever necessary, describing him as “very committed to making progress and making decisions.”
Relaying Trump’s perspective, Kushner emphasized that the US administration is seeking a durable, sustainable resolution rather than an unstable freeze.
“He wanted us to convey this: he understands that this is a very complex problem. But it is a problem that must be solved – not only to stop the fighting, but to create the conditions for a lasting and sustainable peace,” Kushner said.
Asked at a press conference whether the war could be brought to a close before winter, Kushner offered a measured outlook, noting that while success is not guaranteed, intensive efforts are underway.
“This is a very, very difficult problem, but we will try. And I think if we can achieve this, it will be incredible. That doesn’t mean we will achieve it, but it is a very important effort,” he said.
Multi-stage Kyiv consultations
Witkoff emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue across the geopolitical divide to narrow the gap between the warring parties.
“Putin and his team have always treated us with respect – relationships are critical to resolving conflicts,” Witkoff told.
“Both sides have to agree on this. Jared and my job is to bring the sides together, reduce the differences between them, and establish effective channels of communication. Hopefully, we have started this constructively over the last 48 hours. We are confident that a successful solution can be found.”
The envoys’ press availability followed a full day of multi-stage negotiations in Kyiv. The American delegation arrived overland by rail aboard the “Peace Express” after Russian air raids made landing by plane impossible to organize.
Consultations in Kyiv began with bilateral discussions between Zelensky and the American emissaries, followed by a multilateral session that included national security advisers from the UK, France, and Germany. The direct talks took place under an agreed temporary pause on aerial strikes targeting both capitals during the visit.