Trump Sends Witkoff and Kushner to Putin and Zelenskyy With Peace Plan

A Russian drone struck the headquarters of Ukraine's domestic intelligence service in Kyiv just as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepared to begin a mission to Moscow and then travel to the Ukrainian capital. Donald Trump said the two envoys would carry a proposal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

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I talk to Putin. I know him very well.

Trump said he had an idea for peace and emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hate each other. He also said Putin does not intend to attack NATO territory, adding, "I talk to Putin. I know him very well."

The Kyiv strike exposed the narrow space in which the American envoys are operating. Putin had spoken the previous day about the possibility of resolving the conflict, while attacks continue and the two sides remain far apart. Zelenskyy said the drone targeted "the office of the head" of the security service and promised, "We will respond appropriately, significantly and, if possible, proportionately."

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The office of the head

The head of the SBU, Oleksandr Poklad, reportedly briefed Zelenskyy on response plans, including locations that had already been selected for possible strikes. The attack injured nine people and damaged Saint Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it "a serious escalation that requires decisive responses" and said Moscow had launched it during a renewed peace initiative, showing its rejection of diplomacy.

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We will respond appropriately, significantly and, if possible, proportionately.

The new military flare-up complicates Trump's diplomatic effort. The article also places the mission against a difficult political backdrop for Trump, who wants a result before the midterm elections as voters grow tired of wars and remain dissatisfied with the economic effects of the conflict in the Middle East.

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A serious escalation that requires decisive responses