Trump's Envoys Head to Ukraine After Putin Talks

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner plan to visit Moscow and Kyiv on September 5 and 6 to push for a diplomatic end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

• The Kyiv stop would be their first visit to Ukraine since the war began.
• At least 53 people have been killed in Kyiv city and region since August 27.
• Russia's state news agency TASS first reported the September 5-6 dates, citing unnamed sources.
• Zelensky confirmed the visit during his Thursday nightly address.

Why it matters: The envoys arrive as Moscow escalates attacks on Ukrainian cities and both sides harden positions.

• Putin has demanded Kyiv cede large territories, abandon NATO ambitions, and cut its military — terms Ukraine has rejected.
• Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes deep into Russian territory, hitting oil and refining facilities.

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What’s next: Zelensky said Ukraine will clear its drones from Russian airspace to allow the diplomats safe passage to Moscow.

• No ceasefire framework or negotiating agenda has been made public ahead of the visits.
• Will either side signal any shift in its core demands during the meetings?
• What, if any, concrete proposal will the U.S. envoys bring to Moscow and Kyiv?