Kathrine Frich
Witkoff offered glowing remarks to the Russian leader.
When former politicians and high-level envoys travel abroad, the cameras capture every handshake and polite exchange.
Usually, these diplomatic visits follow a strict and formal script.
Sometimes, though, a casual comment at the negotiating table catches everyone off guard.
A warm reception
On Saturday, Donald Trump dispatched Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a late-night meeting in Moscow. The American negotiators spent roughly three hours inside the Kremlin. They sat down with Vladimir Putin, hoping to map out an end to the war in Ukraine.
During the televised portion of the visit, Witkoff offered glowing remarks to the Russian leader.
“Mr. President Putin, thank you so much for having us. We were just sitting outside, me, Jared, Kirill, and Yuri, talking about how after we retire we’ll have so many incredible stories and memories, and those involving you will definitely be at the top of the list,” Witkoff said, according to the PAP news agency cited by WP.
Proposals on the table
The American envoy also passed along warm wishes. TASS news agency quoted Witkoff adding that “President Donald Trump sends his best regards,” to the Russian president.
Witkoff then thanked Putin for releasing Robert Gilman. Gilman faced a prison sentence after a drunken fight with police in Voronezh, but authorities sent the American citizen home in August.
Behind closed doors, the two sides discussed several paths to a peace agreement. Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin adviser, told reporters the visitors brought specific ideas, describing the talks as very honest and built on trust.
A temporary pause
The weekend meetings led to a brief halt in violence. Putin ordered his military to stop attacking Kyiv for three days.
This ceasefire gave the US team a safe window to travel. “This will allow us to fly freely between Moscow and Kyiv for three days,” Witkoff said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with his own promise. He agreed to suspend strikes on Moscow as long as Russian forces kept their word.
Once the dinner wrapped up, the American team departed Moscow through Vnukovo airport. They travelled directly to Kyiv to meet with Zelensky on Sunday.
Shifting diplomacy
This marks the first time Kushner and Witkoff have visited the Ukrainian capital. The two men have worked on peace efforts since 2025, but their previous trips focused entirely on Moscow.
More developments are expected soon. According to statements from US officials, the negotiators will announce their next diplomatic steps in the coming weeks.
Sources: WP, PAP, TASS, Statements from US officials
