Witkoff, Kushner plan first wartime visit to Kyiv

Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may travel to both Kyiv and Moscow within the next seven to ten days, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing Russian state news agency TASS. The trip would represent a renewed diplomatic push after Russia-Ukraine peace talks stalled earlier this summer while the administration turned its attention to the Middle East.bloomberg

First Trip to Ukraine Since Full-Scale Invasion

The Kyiv leg would be the first visit to Ukraine by either envoy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Witkoff has made at least eight trips to Moscow during that period, including meetings with President Vladimir Putin, but neither he nor Kushner has set foot in Ukraine.cryptobriefing

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed earlier this week that the envoys intend to visit, saying the peace process involving U.S. partners is currently on hold. "We are awaiting the arrival of the U.S. negotiating team. We welcome the efforts of the U.S. side and would like to see greater momentum and engagement from the United States," Sybiha said.censor

Origins of the Trip

The visit follows a July 28 meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Zelenskyy said afterward that one outcome of the talks was an expected visit by Kushner and Witkoff to Kyiv, adding that he wants them to see the situation in Ukraine firsthand and discuss ideas for reviving trilateral peace talks.pravda

RFE/RL reported on July 30 that the pair could arrive around Ukraine's Independence Day on August 24, citing two people familiar with the travel plans. The TASS report on Saturday suggests the timeline may have been moved up, with a visit possible as early as mid-August.english.nv+1

A Shift in Diplomatic Balance

The volume of Witkoff's Moscow trips drew criticism from observers who argued the administration was tilting toward Russia's position. A visit to Kyiv would alter that dynamic. Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker has noted that the trip could provide the envoys with valuable firsthand insight into Ukraine's situation on the ground. A subsequent trip to Moscow is anticipated after the Kyiv stop.cryptobriefing