US envoys' Russia Ukraine talks end without deal

American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner concluded a diplomatic mission to Russia and Ukraine aimed at restarting negotiations to end the ongoing conflict. The pair met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on September 5, 2026, before traveling to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 6. During their visit to Moscow, Witkoff and Kushner reportedly presented Putin with new ideas intended to resolve the war. The Kremlin described the talks as useful, though no breakthrough or comprehensive ceasefire was announced. Putin reportedly expressed his trust in the American mediation effort and reiterated Russia's stance on the conflict's underlying causes. Following the Moscow meeting, the envoys traveled to Kyiv. Their discussions with President Zelenskyy covered the peace process, security guarantees, military and energy support, and Ukraine's preparations for the upcoming winter. Zelenskyy described the talks as substantive. Witkoff stated that they brought "new ideas" from their meeting with Putin to the Ukrainian leadership. Despite the diplomatic engagements, the fundamental realities of the conflict remained unchanged.