Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Trump Envoys Arrive in Moscow as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall
Two representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Moscow to discuss the war in Ukraine.
Their names are Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev reportedly met them when they arrived.
The United States says it has a new plan for trying to end the war, but the details have not been shared.
The representatives may travel to Kyiv on Sunday to meet Ukrainian officials.
Russia and Ukraine still disagree strongly about how to make peace.
Russia wants Ukraine to give up four regions and not join NATO.
Ukraine says giving up its land would be like surrendering.
Fighting and attacks have continued while the diplomatic efforts take place.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev reportedly received the U.S. representatives at a Moscow government airport.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the envoys were expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday.
President Donald Trump said the United States had a new, specific proposal, but disclosed no details.
Russia continues to demand that Ukraine surrender four claimed regions and abandon its NATO ambitions, conditions Kyiv rejects.
- Who
- U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- What
- Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Moscow for discussions about ending the Russia-Ukraine war and may continue to Kyiv.
- When
- They arrived on Saturday, September 5, 2026; a Kyiv visit was expected or being considered for Sunday, September 6.
- Where
- Moscow, Russia, with a possible subsequent visit to Kyiv, Ukraine.
- Why
- The visit is part of U.S. efforts to revive negotiations and pursue a proposal to end the war.
Moscow’s position
Kyiv’s position
Territorial terms
Moscow’s position
Russia says Ukraine must surrender the entirety of four regions claimed by Russia and describes the demand as unshakeable.
Kyiv’s position
Ukraine refuses to give up land it has defended at significant cost and considers Moscow’s terms equivalent to surrender.
NATO membership
Moscow’s position
Russia demands that Ukraine abandon its ambition to join NATO.
Kyiv’s position
Ukraine rejects Russia’s settlement conditions, including the demand concerning NATO.
Visit to Kyiv
Moscow’s position
A source cited by Reuters said Russia opposed the envoys’ planned visit to Kyiv and was trying to change the plan.
Kyiv’s position
Zelenskyy said the U.S. representatives were expected in Kyiv after their Moscow meetings.
Prospects for peace
Moscow’s position
The Kremlin says a settlement may eventually be possible, but that the necessary basis for one is currently absent.
Kyiv’s position
Ukraine continues diplomatic engagement but rejects the territorial and NATO conditions described by Moscow.
- U.S. representatives
- Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are President Donald Trump’s envoys involved in the diplomatic effort.
- Moscow arrival
- The envoys arrived in Moscow on Saturday, according to Reuters reports.
- Russian contact
- Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev reportedly received the envoys at a Moscow government airport.
- Possible Kyiv visit
- Zelenskyy said the envoys were expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday, though earlier reporting said arrangements were still being discussed.
- U.S. proposal
- Trump said Washington had a new, specific proposal aimed at ending the war but did not provide details.
- Russia’s demands
- The Kremlin reiterated that Ukraine should cede the entirety of four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its plan to join NATO.
- Negotiation status
- The latest U.S.-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks took place in February, while the Kremlin said the basis for a settlement currently does not exist.
Sources
Trump envoys Witkoff, Kushner may visit Russia, Ukraine as Moscow peace talks remain stalled
Putin’s envoy Dmitriev to meet Witkoff, Kushner upon their arrival in Moscow, sources say
Trump's Envoys Kushner And Witkoff Arrive In Moscow To Discuss Ukraine War With Putin