MOSCOW

The US negotiating team headed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for talks to end the Ukraine war, Russian state media reported.

Witkoff and Kushner landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport, where they were welcomed by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriyev.

Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing that Witkoff and Kushner will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin after 5 pm Moscow time (GMT1400), and the session will last "as long as necessary."

"Starting at 5 PM Moscow time, a Russian-American meeting will take place. Mr. Putin will receive Mr. Witkoff, the principal American negotiator on Ukrainian affairs, who will arrive here. Mr. Kushner will also accompany him. A conversation will ensue," he said.

In response to a subsequent question on whether any other representatives from the US would be present at the meeting, Peskov explained: "No, there will be no one else. Just an interpreter."

The main topic of the conversation will be the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, including US proposals on this issue, he said.

In November 2024, Donald Trump secured victory in the US presidential election and subsequently moved into the White House. Among his campaign promises was an ambitious pledge to resolve the conflict in Ukraine within just 24 hours upon assuming office.

True to his word, Trump swiftly initiated diplomatic efforts soon after his inauguration. Engaging in phone conversations with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership, he facilitated the resumption of direct peace talks, the first such negotiations since 2022.

Throughout 2025, multiple rounds of meetings were organized in Istanbul, Türkiye. Three distinct sessions occurred -- on May 15, June 2, and finally on July 23.

Each round yielded notable progress, culminating in significant agreements between Russia and Ukraine. They committed to exchanging prisoners of war, focusing on individuals aged under 25 and severely wounded soldiers, with estimates suggesting thousands of detainees could benefit from this arrangement.

Trump then met Putin in Alaska in August, and last month his administration presented its draft of a peace proposal, negotiations on which continue.