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US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could make their first visit to Ukraine in the coming days, after weeks of reports that the two key negotiators were preparing to travel to Kyiv as part of Washington’s efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion.
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The visit may take place around Ukraine’s Independence Day on Monday, although neither Washington nor Kyiv have confirmed the trip.
Trump said in late July that he would send Witkoff and Kushner to the Ukrainian capital in the coming weeks.
Subsequent reports suggested the two could travel to both Kyiv and Moscow, with Kremlin-controlled media reporting earlier this month that a visit could take place around these days. Moscow is also yet to confirm the visit.
The uncertainty comes as Kyiv prepares to mark 35 years of independence on Monday, with some of Ukraine’s allies expected in the capital in a show of solidarity.
European Council President António Costa is expected in Kyiv, alongside other international guests.
The Coalition of the Willing is also set to meet in Kyiv on Monday, with several leaders attending in person, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Costa’s presence could carry added significance if Witkoff and Kushner also travel to Kyiv, amid a wider debate over the EU’s role in the peace process and who could represent Europe in any future negotiations with Russia.
Costa has emerged in discussions over who could speak for European interests should substantive negotiations resume, as the EU seeks to ensure it has a voice in a diplomatic process largely driven by Washington.
Moscow, however, has sought to keep negotiations with Washington only, rejecting a direct role for the EU while stepping up threats against Brussels and other European capitals.
For now, there are no substantive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Moscow has rejected all possible options put forward in the US-led peace process, including calls for a ceasefire. Russia has continued to demand extensive territorial concessions from Ukraine and, ultimately, Kyiv’s surrender.
The Kremlin has shown no willingness to compromise on its demands or negotiate a broader settlement.
Prisoner-of-war exchanges have been the main tangible result of direct contacts between Ukraine and Russia.
Witkoff and Kushner have played central roles in the Trump administration’s attempts to broker an agreement, holding repeated meetings with Russian officials.
Witkoff has travelled to Moscow eight times and met Vladimir Putin on several occasions. Neither he nor Kushner, however, has visited Ukraine since taking on their negotiating roles.
A trip to Kyiv would therefore carry significance beyond another round of diplomatic meetings, giving two of Washington’s main negotiators their first direct exposure to wartime Ukraine as the Trump administration considers whether a viable path back to talks with Moscow exists.
