Trump says his envoys are taking a plan to Moscow and Kyiv to end the war

Donald Trump says his envoys are carrying an idea for peace as they travel between Moscow and Kyiv, but he has not said whether the plan would require Ukraine to give up territory.

“

They are bringing a proposal on how to end the war.

Trump told reporters that Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, and businessman Steve Witkoff would take “a proposal on how to end the war.” He said the two men had already done an excellent job in Moscow and were being sent to see whether something could be achieved. Their planned visit would be their first trip to Kyiv since Trump returned to office last year promising to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump did not explain whether the proposal included territorial concessions, which he had previously suggested. He said, “we have an idea to achieve peace.” The U.S. president also described the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as the result of “personal disagreements” between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“

We have an idea to achieve peace.

Zelenskyy said he had proposed a ceasefire while the U.S. envoys visited Moscow and Kyiv. In his evening address, he said Ukraine would not carry out airstrikes and that Russia should also halt all air attacks for the duration of the talks.

“

We will not carry out airstrikes, and Russia must also ensure a ceasefire by carrying out no airstrikes while these talks continue.

Trump separately played down Germany’s decision to blame Russia for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport. Asked about the allegation in the Oval Office, he said he knew Putin well and that the Russian president did not intend to attack NATO territory.

“

I communicate with him. I know him very well. Putin does not intend to attack NATO territory.