Russia calls talks with US envoys “useful”

A Russian aide said talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and two United States envoys were “highly useful” as the Americans attempt to restart stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Yuri Ushakov, a foreign-policy adviser to Putin, said that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner “outlined a number of ideas regarding possible avenues for a settlement” but declined to share details on these plans, according to Reuters .

“The talks went beyond a mere exchange of views on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Economic issues and ​potential major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects were discussed in some detail,” Ushakov said.

The closed-door meeting – which lasted for over three hours – followed Putin authorizing a 72-hour pause on strikes against Kyiv to allow for the U.S. envoys’ safe travel, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky similarly said that after speaking with Witkoff and Kushner, the country was “ready to observe a ceasefire in airstrikes” in cities where negotiations were taking place. He added the pause in strikes would start now with a planned end on Monday.

This weekend marks the first time traveling to Kyiv for negotiations for both envoys.

President Trump has remained optimistic about the meetings, telling reporters in the Oval Office Friday the two men are “bringing with them a proposal to end the war,” though he did not elaborate on what the plan entailed.

The yearslong dispute between Russia and Ukraine intensified following the last U.S.-facilitated meetings in February. Moscow has initiated near-continuous attacks in and around Kyiv for over a week, hitting buildings, warehouses and the central headquarters for Ukraine’s security service.

Zelensky reported that ahead of the U.S. envoys’ visit, two airports located 300 miles east of Kyiv were also hit by Russian airstrikes – killing four people and injuring five others.

Ukraine hit back throughout August with long-range attacks on oil storage and refining facilities in Russia including strikes on logistics hubs of online retailer Wildberries which has unsettled Russians living far from the front and hurt small businesses.