**US Peace Envoys to Visit Kyiv and Moscow Amid Ongoing Conflict**
*Published on 05/09/2026*
In a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to visit Kyiv and Moscow this weekend. The announcement comes as hostilities continue, with recent Russian strikes in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region resulting in the deaths of four individuals, according to local authorities.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the envoys' mission, stating that they are equipped with a proposal aimed at "ending the war." Trump expressed confidence in their negotiating abilities, saying, "I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They've done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we'll do it."
The envoys are expected to arrive in Moscow on Saturday before proceeding to Kyiv on Sunday. This marks their first visit to the Ukrainian capital since Trump resumed his presidency in January of the previous year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the visit, emphasizing the need to explore genuine options for concluding the conflict. In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated, "We need to look for real options for how to move this war toward an end," and expressed anticipation for the proposals that Witkoff and Kushner would present, as well as Moscow's potential responses.
In a notable gesture, Zelenskyy assured that Ukrainian forces would maintain the "normal functioning of Russian airspace" to facilitate the envoys' safe travel to Moscow. However, he also cautioned that Russian airspace would effectively be closed due to extensive Ukrainian drone operations, which have made flying in the region unsafe. Zelenskyy called upon both sides to refrain from air strikes during the envoys' visit, stating, "There will be no air strikes from our side, and Russia must do the same."
The timing of the diplomatic mission is critical, as it coincides with a surge in violence. Recent reports indicate that Russian strikes targeted the city of Kamianske in the Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in four fatalities and injuring five others. The strikes reportedly hit an industrial facility, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Additionally, Zelenskyy disclosed that a Russian drone attack had targeted the headquarters of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) in central Kyiv, which he described as being aimed directly at the agency's leadership. In response, Zelenskyy ordered the SBU to execute an "appropriate, tangible response" to the attack.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community is closely monitoring the developments surrounding Witkoff and Kushner's diplomatic efforts. The outcome of their discussions in both Kyiv and Moscow could have significant implications for the future of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
The upcoming visits represent a renewed attempt by the United States to mediate in the conflict, which has persisted for over two years and has resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement of civilians. With winter approaching, the urgency for a resolution is heightened, as both Ukraine and Russia face mounting challenges.
As Witkoff and Kushner prepare for their discussions, the world watches to see if their efforts can pave the way for a ceasefire and a potential diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war.