US says progress in peace talks after meetings in Moscow and Kyiv

The American side said there was progress in the peace process after a series of talks in Moscow and Kyiv. Washington has also agreed on a schedule for further contacts aimed at finding a way to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

This was reported by the US President's special representative Steve Witkoff following the diplomatic contacts of recent days.

American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner first held talks in Moscow, where they met with Vladimir Putin, and then arrived in Kyiv for consultations with President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian negotiating team.

According to Witkoff, the meetings that took place allowed the peace process to move forward. The American side continues to work with both sides and has already agreed on a schedule for subsequent negotiations.

Witkoff did not disclose in his message the specific dates, place, and composition of participants for the next meetings. It is also not yet reported on which specific disputed issues the positions of Moscow and Kyiv were brought closer, and which points of the future settlement remain unresolved.

During their visit to Kyiv, American representatives previously stated that they expect the resumption of a trilateral negotiation format involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia. Witkoff said that during the meeting in Moscow, the American delegation heard new proposals, which were then discussed with the Ukrainian side.

In Kyiv, the talks were held in several rounds. Representatives of Great Britain, France, and Germany joined some of the consultations. Among the issues discussed were the further diplomatic process, security guarantees for Ukraine, air defense, and support for the country in the upcoming winter period.

Zelensky also announced after the talks that preparations are underway for the next meetings and contacts. Ukraine, according to him, intends to continue diplomatic work together with the US and European partners.

However, no agreements on ending the war or a full ceasefire were publicly announced following the meetings. The Kremlin said on September 7 that it does not rule out the resumption of trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, but called discussion of a specific place and date of such a meeting premature.

Thus, the progress announced by Washington so far consists of continuing the negotiation process and agreeing on further diplomatic contacts. The content of possible agreements on key issues of the settlement is not disclosed publicly by the parties.

Based on materials: Steve Witkoff, Ukrinform