Kathmandu— US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as part of a new initiative by the Trump administration to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The talks, which lasted over three hours, were described as “substantive, very frank and constructive” by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. The envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid ongoing tensions and attacks in both countries.

Meeting Details and Outcomes

Videos of the meeting show Putin discussing the peace proposal with the US envoys, emphasizing the difficulty of the task at hand. Ushakov added that the talks were “substantive, very frank and constructive,” highlighting the seriousness of the discussions. The envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv to meet with President Zelenskyy, where they will continue their efforts to broker a peace agreement.

Background and Context

The envoys’ visit is seen as significant, but experts are skeptical of their success, given the complexity of the situation and the differing interests of the parties involved. Witkoff told Putin that the US president had sent his best wishes and thanked him for the limited ceasefire during the delegation’s visit. The special US envoy was also recorded telling Putin that “we will have all these incredible stories and memories, and yours will be right at the top of it all.” The Russian president conveyed his gratitude to Trump and said Moscow would do its utmost to ensure the safety of the mediators.

Next Steps and Challenges

The envoys’ visit is seen as significant, but the interaction between the envoys and Putin is an indication of “that familiarity between Witkoff and Putin,” according to Al Jazeera correspondent Audrey McAlpine from Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. The choice of words and tone won’t sit well with Ukrainians, explained McAlpine. The envoys’ visit is seen as significant, but the interaction between the envoys and Putin is an indication of “that familiarity between Witkoff and Putin,” according to Al Jazeera correspondent Audrey McAlpine from Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. The choice of words and tone won’t sit well with Ukrainians, explained McAlpine.

The envoys’ visit is seen as significant, but experts are skeptical of their success, given the complexity of the situation and the differing interests of the parties involved.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.