American representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have travelled to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the conclusion of recent negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
Footage published by Russian outlets depicted Kushner and Witkoff stepping off an aircraft and being greeted by Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev through handshakes and embraces.
The US delegates were scheduled to confer with Putin at 12:00 local time, corresponding to 09:00 GMT, prior to departing for Dublin to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Tuesday, Kushner stated that the United States had identified certain openings and opportunities and would attempt to achieve progress during the upcoming discussion with Putin.
The face-to-face meetings involving the Russian and Ukrainian heads of state were publicly disclosed on Wednesday following two days of talks focused on the future security framework of Europe.
Nearly five years after Russia initiated its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, Moscow displays no indication of abandoning its extensive demands for Ukrainian territory and for Western nations to abandon any future pledges to defend Kyiv against subsequent aggression.
Throughout the initial stages of the conflict, European governments severed diplomatic channels with the Kremlin and declined direct engagement with Russia.
Nevertheless, numerous European actors have recently expressed anxiety regarding the current American administration's dedication to European defense and its conciliatory stance toward the Kremlin, prompting demands for participation in the negotiation process.
Although the Abu Dhabi sessions were directed by American officials and involved solely Russia and Ukraine, Kushner indicated that he and Witkoff would request Putin to approve the inclusion of European delegates in subsequent talks, specifically concerning the continent's future security design.
Additionally, Kushner called upon Europe to designate a single representative to articulate its positions during the talks.
Conversely, Russian authorities have resisted this proposal, identifying European backing for Kyiv as a barrier.
Vladimir Medinsky, leader of the Russian negotiating team in Abu Dhabi, remarked that all participants had progressed toward peace, though future outcomes rely heavily on Ukraine, the stance of the United States, and whether Europe reconsiders its approach.
Concurrently with the discussions between Witkoff, Kushner, and Russian officials in Moscow, Zelensky reported that Ukrainian military units were once again experiencing systematic limitations affecting Starshield, the SpaceX satellite internet network managed by Elon Musk that serves a vital function for frontline communications. Similar connectivity disruptions in October persisted for approximately a week, while Musk disputed deliberately reducing Ukraine's bandwidth.
Zelensky indicated in an official statement that these technical constraints have hindered Ukrainian troops from successfully intercepting Russian jet-propelled drones.
He stated that this situation assists Russian forces in causing more casualties among Ukrainians and executing more precise attacks against Ukraine, adding that officials are working to clarify all details with American counterparts.