Washington Confirms "Substantive Plans" Discussed with Putin, Kushner to End Ukraine Conflict

The White House announced Sunday that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner discussed "substantive plans" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine during talks hosted by the Kremlin. These efforts are part of Washington's endeavor to revive peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. A senior U.S. official told Agence France-Presse that Witkoff and Kushner "discussed substantive plans regarding the next steps to be announced in the coming weeks." The official indicated that the envoys look forward to holding equally productive meetings in Ukraine afterward. For his part, Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov described the talks as "very useful," but did not confirm any tangible progress. Ushakov added that the American envoys presented "a number of ideas on possible ways to reach a settlement," without disclosing details of those ideas. Putin informed the U.S. envoys that Russia is making "real progress" on the battlefield, expressing confidence in achieving his country's objectives. The Russian president emphasized the necessity of addressing "all root causes of the conflict" to ensure a comprehensive settlement. The Kremlin described Putin's meeting with Kushner and Witkoff as "constructive and very frank," affirming that the U.S. president's envoys pledged to utilize the Russian president's assessments for settlement options with Ukraine. The Kremlin noted that Putin informed Kushner and Witkoff of the need to resolve the conflict's root problem, with the envoys offering "several ideas" to end the war. Putin met with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on Saturday to discuss ways to end the war, which has been ongoing for over four years, ahead of their anticipated stop in Kyiv on Sunday. Putin considered the talks with the U.S. side "always useful," adding that former President Trump continues his efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Putin stated: "As you informed us, I know you plan to visit Kyiv after Moscow... whatever happens there, such contacts are undoubtedly useful." Former President Trump had indicated on Friday that the United States has a new proposal aimed at ending the war, but he did not provide any details.