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Envoys to seek peace
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was sending special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia and Ukraine with a proposal to “end the war,” as the conflict that began with Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine remains deadlocked.
““Llevan consigo una propuesta para terminar la guerra””
Trump told reporters, “I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner … to see whether or not we can get something done,” and said the negotiators would try to determine whether it was possible to advance toward peace.
The BBC reported that Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he will meet the envoys on Sunday after they visit Moscow on Saturday to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In Kyiv, Zelenskiy said a Russian drone hit the office of Ukraine’s security chief Oleksandr Poklad, and the BBC said Poklad appears to be unharmed.
The Kremlin did not immediately comment on the initiative, with the BBC citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying, “I wouldn't announce anything, but when these contacts take place, we will inform you.”
Ceasefire proposal amid strikes
Zelenskiy proposed a pause in air attacks while the U.S. envoys are in Ukraine, saying, “No habrá ataques aéreos de nuestra parte, y Rusia debe garantizar recíprocamente un alto el fuego —sin sus propios ataques aéreos— durante el tiempo necesario para llevar a cabo estas conversaciones”.
The BBC reported that Zelensky said he would guarantee the safety of Russian airspace during the envoys’ visit and called for Russia to do the same for Ukraine.
Al Jazeera reported that at least 12 people were injured in the Friday strike on the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security services, citing Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Al Jazeera’s Audrey MacAlpine said from Kyiv, “It’s not so much that people never expected the SBU to be hit, but it really raises the question of if Russia can hit this, what else can it hit?”
The BBC also said on Saturday regional authorities reported four people killed in a Russian strike on Kamianske, with Oleksandr Ganzha saying five others were wounded.
What’s at stake next
The diplomatic push is taking place as both sides continue to exchange long-range attacks, with Acento describing Russia and Ukraine intensifying long-range strikes that have raised civilian casualties to levels not seen since the start of the fighting.
““there are chances” a peace deal could be reached”
The BBC said Putin told an international economic forum on Thursday that “there are chances” a peace deal could be reached, while also stating, “First of all, Moscow and Kyiv must agree between themselves,” and showing no sign of backing down from maximalist demands.
The BBC reported that Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, and it said Kyiv and its European allies have repeatedly rejected Putin’s terms as tantamount to capitulation.
In a separate Reuters-based report, Global Banking & Finance Review said the U.S. president did not elaborate on what the proposal would be, and it noted that the Kyiv section of the journey was still not completely certain.
The same Reuters-based report said the Russian drone strike on Friday hit the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in Kyiv, underscoring the security environment the envoys would be entering.