US envoys pitch new peace ideas in Kyiv as war heads into winter
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Kyiv on a “Peace Express” train, saying their latest proposals are more effective, though a settlement remains elusive.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner landed in Kyiv on Sunday aboard a train emblazoned with the words “Peace Express”. The pair, long‑time allies of former President Donald Trump, met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and a delegation of European officials to discuss fresh ideas for ending the conflict with Russia.
"It's not the same as it was before. This one now is more effective. They're still talking. This is actually the most important part," said a senior Ukrainian official after the talks.
The meeting was the first time the US team visited the Ukrainian capital since the war began in 2022. While both envoys expressed optimism, they stopped short of announcing any concrete breakthroughs.
Why the talks matter as the conflict heads into winter
President Zelensky warned on Sunday that the war is likely to continue into the colder months, a prospect that would strain Ukraine's already battered infrastructure. He urged the United States and European partners to stand ready with additional support if the fighting persists.
Russia, which occupies large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine, has repeatedly insisted that any settlement must recognise its annexations, a demand Kyiv deems unacceptable. The Kremlin, meanwhile, said it feels “confident” about advancing its objectives, hinting that the war could intensify.
What could happen next
A White House official told AFP that the envoys discussed “substantive plans” that will be announced in the coming weeks. The Kremlin, for its part, claimed the Americans had put forward several ideas for a possible route to settlement, though it offered no details.
European ministers from Britain, France and Germany attended parallel sessions, signalling a coordinated Western effort. If the proposals gain traction, they could lead to a formal diplomatic framework before the end of the year, potentially easing the humanitarian toll of a prolonged winter war.
For now, both sides remain cautious. As Zelensky put it on X, “The main thing is to achieve peace for Ukraine, a dignified, reliable, and lasting peace. We are directing all our efforts toward this.” The next few weeks will reveal whether the “more effective” proposals translate into tangible steps toward that goal.
