In remarks delivered ahead of the meeting, Putin described the situation as “certainly complex,” commending US President Donald Trump for persisting with peace efforts despite entering a “difficult situation.”
“Today, we will discuss all its components, all aspects, and we, for our part, are ready to inform you of our view of the situation,” Putin said, terming direct contacts “always beneficial.”
Presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev also took part in the negotiations.
Witkoff thanked Putin for agreeing to a three-day ceasefire whilst he and Kushner conduct their regional mission, and conveyed gratitude from the family of former US Marine Robert Gilman, who was freed by Moscow last month after being held since 2022.
The US envoys arrived at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Saturday and are scheduled to travel to Kiev on Sunday for their first visit.
Trump said on Friday that Kushner and Witkoff carried a concrete proposal to end the more than four-year war.