U.S. Envoys Plan Moscow, Kyiv Peace Talks

U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow on September 5 and Kyiv on September 6 to revive negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, although security concerns and reported Russian opposition could alter the itinerary. The Kyiv visit would be their first since the Trump administration began its peace efforts; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said meetings were being arranged and stressed the importance of continued U.S. involvement, while the Kremlin declined to confirm the schedule. Russia is reportedly seeking Ukrainian territorial concessions, NATO nonmembership and military restrictions, demands Kyiv rejects. President Donald Trump has said he wants the war and its casualties to end, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has said a settlement remains possible but blamed Ukrainian attacks for complicating talks; Ukrainian officials say intelligence indicates Putin remains committed to continuing the war. The diplomatic push follows stalled earlier negotiations and comes as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities intensify, leaving prospects for a ceasefire uncertain.