KYIV, September 14 — US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Moscow and Kyiv in early September in an attempt to secure a ceasefire in Russia’s war in Ukraine. The diplomatic push was immediately followed by Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv that killed at least four civilians on September 8 and 9. The visit drew sharp criticism in the press.
Slate magazine wrote that “Jared Kushner’s incompetence was on full display this weekend.” The Daily Telegraph called the effort “The Witkoff-Kushner circus act is an embarrassment.” The Financial Times titled its story “Kushner and Witkoff’s blind amateurism.”
A pause, then strikes
The envoys arrived in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Ukraine’s Kharkiv offensive, which reclaimed 11,500sq km (4,440 square miles) of northern Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation, including more than 500 settlements. Shortly after that offensive, Russian forces withdrew from roughly 8,000sq km (3,100 square miles) of territory they had occupied on the right bank of the Dnipro River in the southern region of Kherson, deeming it indefensible.
Both actions, along with Russia previously lifting sieges on Kyiv, Sumy and Chernihiv, reduced the Russian occupation from more than a quarter of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine stopped firing missiles and drones at Moscow between September 5 and 7 to enable the US envoys’ aircraft to fly safely between the capitals, and Russia also paused attacks as the envoys visited Kyiv.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy joked at a media conference with them: “Please come more often, so that our people have the chance to live normally.” But as soon as Witkoff and Kushner left, Russia showered drones and missiles on Kyiv.
Moscow’s position unchanged
Washington has pursued negotiations without its European allies since US President Donald Trump cut off military aid to Ukraine and agreed to meet with Putin last year. Witkoff caused outrage after he openly flattered Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling him: “When we retire, we’ll have all these incredible stories and incredible memories, and yours will be right at the top of it all.” Russia has shown little sign that it is ready for a deal.
Putin’s diplomatic aide, Valery Ushakov, told the US envoys that Moscow was committed to achieving all its goals in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted on September 8: “Russia intends to achieve the goals of the special military operation.” Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told Vedomosti newspaper two days later: “Of course, we’re all interested in ending the conflict as quickly as possible.
Moreover, it must end on our terms, in order to prevent the possibility of it recurring in the future or spreading into a global conflict,” and warned: “Nuclear weapons can be used in certain circumstances. This isn’t a scare tactic.” Zelenskyy has insisted that only leverage on the battlefield will force Moscow to negotiate, saying this week: “Without a strong position on the ground, there will only be ultimatums.” The episode suggests European patience with the US administration of Donald Trump is running out.
The story was published by Al Jazeera on September 11, 2026, by John T Psaropoulos.
