US envoys' Moscow and Kyiv visits: talks, topics, outcomes compared

US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner completed visits to Moscow and Kyiv in early September, meeting with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, but announced no concrete agreements. In Moscow on September 5, the envoys held over three hours of talks with Putin, discussing conflict resolution ideas, economic cooperation, and the need to address root causes. The following day in Kyiv, they met Zelensky for several rounds of talks focused on security guarantees and long-term peace conditions. The visits differed in tone and logistics. Moscow talks were described as constructive and trustful, while the Kyiv trip was marked by tension, last-minute scheduling changes, and a US request for a three-day ceasefire. Both sides confirmed intentions to continue peace efforts.