US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff brought a new, "more effective" peace proposal to Kyiv, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The delegation's visit, which marked their first time in the city since the conflict began, followed a stop in Moscow where Witkoff noted "significant progress" was made.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 6/9 that he held a "substantive" discussion with Kushner and Witkoff, stating Kyiv is ready for trilateral dialogue with Washington and Moscow. Discussions also covered providing energy and air defense assistance to Ukraine before winter.

Witkoff stated he "heard new ideas" during his visit to Moscow on 5/9 but did not disclose details, expressing hope for a new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to be announced soon. "We made significant progress in Moscow", he said, adding that he felt "very encouraged" by the dialogue with Ukraine. President Donald Trump suggested on 4/9 that the US had a new proposal.

Witkoff (left) and Zelensky during a joint press conference in Kyiv on 6/9. Photo: AP

In Kyiv, the two US special envoys held several hours of discussions with Ukrainian officials. National security advisors from France, Germany, and the UK also participated in the event. During a break, President Zelensky stated that officials discussed the possibility of providing security and economic guarantees for Ukraine, as well as a "prosperity plan" after the conflict ends. "Over the past 10-12 months, I believe we have become stronger", he said, adding that the US and Europe have recognized this.

President Zelensky also reiterated his view that only a direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders can resolve territorial issues. He emphasized the importance of Donbas, stating on 6/9, "I believe the question of Donbas is the question of this war". Previous US-mediated negotiation rounds did not yield significant results as Russia and Ukraine still disagreed on key issues, including the future of the Donbas region. Russia demands the opponent withdraw from areas it still controls in Donbas, but Ukraine refuses, believing it can continue to hold out.

Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine's state-owned railway company, announced this morning that the two US special envoys had departed Kyiv and posted images of them standing at the station. Yuri Ushakov, foreign policy advisor to President Vladimir Putin, described the dialogue in Moscow on 5/9 as "very useful". A White House official told Reuters news agency that next steps would be announced in the coming weeks.

Witkoff and Kushner standing at the Kyiv station in a photo posted on 7/9. Photo: Ukrzaliznytsia

For Ukraine, robust security guarantees from the US and European allies are a key factor to prevent a recurrence of conflict once a peace agreement is reached. The Ukrainian President stated this issue was discussed but did not say if any progress had been made.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Reuters)