From Putin to Zelensky in 24 Hour, US Envoys Try the Peace Shuttle Service

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv, as Washington continues its diplomatic efforts to find a possible path towards ending Russia war in Ukraine. The meeting marks the envoys first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full scale invasion. Zelensky greeted the pair near St Sophia Cathedral, close to the headquarters of Ukraine security service, which was struck by a Russian drone on Friday. Before the talks, Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared for a substantive conversation aimed at bringing the war closer to an end. However, he stressed that any settlement would need to include security guarantees for Ukraine and a dignified post war peace. From Moscow to Kyiv The Kyiv meeting came a day after Witkoff and Kushner held a three hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The Kremlin described the discussions as “constructive” and “extremely frank”. Putin adviser Yuri Ushakov said the talks covered not only the war in Ukraine but also economic matters and potential Russian, American project. Ushakov also said the Russian side raised what it considers the “root causes” of the conflict and highlighted claimed Russian advances on the battlefield. The US envoys then travelled towards Kyiv by train after flying to Poland. Zelensky said the delegation had been unable to land its aircraft in Ukraine despite preparations being made for the visit. The diplomatic shuttle between Moscow and Kyiv comes as Washington attempts to keep discussions alive despite continued fighting and major differences between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky calls for security guarantees Zelensky has signalled that Ukraine is willing to engage in negotiations but has made clear that ending the fighting alone would not be sufficient. He said Ukraine needs security guarantees and a post war settlement that preserves the country dignity and security. The Ukrainian president also said his government had its proposals ready and remained interested in moving towards an end to the war. The emphasis on security guarantees reflects one of Kyiv central concerns, ensuring that any future agreement provides meaningful protection against another Russian attack. Fighting continues alongside diplomacy Despite the diplomatic activity, Russian and Ukrainian forces continued to exchange strikes. Ukraine said its forces targeted the Ryazan oil refinery, an airfield in Rostov on Don and two Russian air defence systems. Kyiv said the refinery supplies Russia’s military. Russia, meanwhile, continued its aerial attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 108 long range drones and small cruise missiles, with Ukrainian air defences claiming to have destroyed 82 drones and six missiles. According to Ukrainian authorities, 11 locations were hit while debris fell at another seven sites. The continuing attacks underline the gap between diplomatic efforts and conditions on the battlefield. No breakthrough yet The Moscow talks produced broadly positive public statement, but neither side has announced a breakthrough or detailed agreement. Russia continues to control roughly one fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of it seized during the early stages of the full-scale invasion. Russian ground forces have made only slow advances during much of the conflict, while Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian economic infrastructure, particularly oil facilities. Ukraine has also warned that it faces difficultie defending against ballistic missile attacks because of shortages of interceptor missiles. For now, the meetings in Moscow and Kyiv represent another attempt to explore whether negotiations can make progress while military operations continue. The immediate challenge for the US led diplomatic effort will be bridging the substantial differences over territory, security guarantees and the conditions of any eventual peace agreement. The movement of the US envoys from Putin to Zelensky may demonstrate continued diplomatic engagement, but it does not by itself indicate that a final settlement is close.