This is the first visit of US envoys to Kyiv, taking place a day after the meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The Americans arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train, hoping to revive negotiations to end the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, following escalation in the summer.
V. Zelensky published a video capturing the meeting with US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law J. Kushner and business partner S. Witkoff in central Kyiv.
“Negotiations have begun,” announced V. Zelensky.
S. Witkoff and J. Kushner have visited Moscow eight times, but have not held any negotiations in Kyiv, which has suffered deadly strikes since February 2022, when the Russian invasion began.
The meeting also included senior Ukrainian security officials and negotiators, as well as several European national security advisors.
European security advisors will participate in some negotiations with US envoys in Kyiv on Sunday regarding ending the war with Russia, V. Zelensky reported as meetings began.
“We are expecting one of our negotiation sessions, followed by another session with European national security advisors. Several important meetings,” said V. Zelensky, standing in central Kyiv awaiting S. Witkoff and J. Kushner.
V. Zelensky showed the US envoys the historic St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, located opposite the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) building, which was hit by a Russian drone on Friday.
Hundreds of thousands of people have died due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, and millions have been forced to leave their homes.
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On Saturday, US envoys discussed “essential plans” for further steps to end the war in Ukraine during a meeting with the Russian president lasting more than three hours, the White House reported.
“Both sides discussed essential plans for further steps, which will be announced in the coming weeks, and expect equally productive meetings tomorrow in Ukraine,” the statement said.
Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov called the negotiations “extremely open” and said the Americans “presented various ideas about possible paths to an agreement,” but did not elaborate further.
Russian representatives told the Americans that Moscow is confident it can achieve its military goals and occupy the remaining part of eastern Ukraine, added J. Ushakov.
Both Russia and Ukraine pledged not to strike each other’s capitals for three days during the American visit.
V. Zelensky stated on Sunday that Ukraine is ready for talks.
“Ukraine has always been and will remain constructive,” said the wartime leader on social media before the envoys’ visit.
The country’s airspace has been closed since Moscow started the war, and visiting leaders travel by train.
Most Ukrainians’ hopes for a breakthrough remain slim.
“At the moment, it gives me no hope. There have already been too many negotiations,” 29-year-old Kyiv resident Yaroslav told AFP.
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