Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 07, 2026
Photo courtesy: Russia News
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for more than three hours as Washington renewed efforts to broker an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The two were sent by US President Donald Trump as part of negotiations aimed at narrowing the differences between Moscow and Kyiv.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov described the talks as substantive, constructive and frank. He said the US delegation presented several possible approaches toward a settlement, while Putin expressed willingness to continue working with Washington on a political and diplomatic solution.
Following the Moscow meeting, Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and relay Russia’s position.
Witkoff said the US delegation first needed to hear directly from Putin before attempting to bring the two sides closer together and address the remaining issues in the negotiations.
As talks continued, Putin ordered a three-day halt to attacks on Kyiv. Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said Ukraine would not attack Moscow while the US envoys were conducting their diplomatic visit.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains open to negotiations and a temporary halt in air strikes, provided Russia reciprocates. He also stressed that any eventual agreement must include security guarantees and lead to lasting peace.
Despite the temporary restraint involving Moscow and Kyiv, fighting continued elsewhere.
Russia launched 108 drones and missiles against Ukraine, while Moscow said its forces intercepted 258 Ukrainian drones.
Trump has remained optimistic that an agreement can be reached, but no major breakthrough has been announced so far.
The White House said further steps in the diplomatic effort are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as Washington continues efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine closer to a settlement.