US Envoys Visit Kyiv as Core Russia-Ukraine Disputes Linger — SkimNews
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- Witkoff and Kushner traveled by train to Kyiv for their first visit since Russia's full-scale invasion, unable to fly because of Russian drones, and were greeted by Zelensky at Saint Sophia Cathedral yards from the SBU HQ struck by Russian drones on Friday.
- Ukraine claimed it gained more territory than it lost in August and that Russia suffered 42,000 casualties — directly contradicting Putin's claim to the US envoys in Moscow that Russia was making "tangible advances" on the battlefield.
- Putin demanded Ukraine cede territory, abandon NATO aspirations, and reduce its army size, while Zelensky insisted on "strong and clear" security guarantees including a strong army and refused to give up Donbas, calling the territorial question dryly "difficult."
- European national security advisers, including the UK's Jonathan Powell, joined the talks, and both sides spoke of reviving past "trilateral talks" involving the US and Europe.
- Witkoff said progress had been made and both sides would need to compromise, though the source notes it is "hard to see either side doing that" now and Kyiv expects continued fighting through a hard winter.
- A short-term pause in air strikes agreed by both sides gave Kyiv a brief respite, but the source says few expect it to last.
Why it matters: Putin's demands — territorial concessions, NATO abandonment, and military limits — directly contradict Zelensky's insistence on security guarantees and refusal to cede Donbas. Neither side shows willingness to compromise, leaving Kyiv expecting continued fighting through a hard winter with civilians bearing the cost.
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