Kremlin reveals details of high-stakes talks with Kushner and Witkoff
Photo: Yuri Ushakov (Getty Images)
Assistant to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, shared details of what the Kremlin leader discussed with Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine, according to Russian media.
"The conversation lasted over three hours, or more precisely, three hours and ten minutes. It was substantive, constructive, highly frank, and trusting. The discussion of extremely serious issues took place both in a working environment and in an informal setting over lunch," Ushakov said.
He also made several other statements:
- Witkoff and Kushner promised to incorporate Putin’s assessments regarding ways to settle the war into their contacts in Kyiv the following day.
- US representatives prepared thoroughly for the trip to Moscow, formulating a comprehensive set of considerations regarding a settlement.
- Putin and Trump will maintain personal contacts, and work through the Witkoff and Kushner channels will also continue.
- During the meeting with Witkoff and Kushner, Putin noted the alleged "successes" of Russian troops in the war and expressed confidence in achieving its goals.
- At the meeting, Putin emphasized the need to eliminate all root causes of the war.
- Putin’s negotiations with Witkoff and Kushner were not limited to Ukraine; possible major Russian-American projects were also discussed.
Resumption of peace negotiations
The US and Ukraine have initiated an attempt to resume peace negotiations with Russia. In this regard, Trump’s envoys arrived in Moscow for talks on September 5, and are scheduled to arrive in Kyiv for an official visit on September 6.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently confirmed the visit, noting that during the diplomats' visit, Kyiv would refrain from air strikes on Russian territory to ensure the American delegation reaches Moscow safely.
Later, media reports indicated that the US had called on both sides to halt mutual shelling for three days, but Russia ultimately did not heed this request, continuing to attack Ukraine.
The Kremlin merely stated that Putin had ordered troops not to strike Kyiv, even though air raid alerts in the capital due to drone detections in the region continue to sound regularly.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy reported that overnight on September 5, Russian forces struck Ukrainian airports in Kyiv and Boryspil, where the American delegation could have arrived.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha recently urged everyone to follow the news, as Ukraine and its allies, including the US, will give a new impetus to peace efforts aimed at ending the Russian war.
