Kushner Endorses Direct Talks Between Zelenskyy and Putin
US envoy Jared Kushner suggests a face-to-face meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders would be beneficial, though Moscow seeks further progress first.
By Hiroshi Ferrari ·
Jared Kushner, who serves as a senior envoy for the United States and is also the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, has expressed support for a direct meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking after the conclusion of trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi, Kushner described such a summit as a positive development for the ongoing peace efforts.
The comments were made during a press briefing held following the second day of discussions involving representatives from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. While Kushner indicated that a face-to-face encounter would be ideal at any given time, he also noted the current state of relations between the two heads of state. He observed that there is currently a lack of significant trust or affection between Zelenskyy and Putin, which complicates the diplomatic landscape.
According to Kushner, the Russian delegation has communicated that they wish to see more tangible progress in the negotiations before agreeing to a direct summit. He emphasized the need for transparency in this process, stating that the goal is to find a pathway to arrange such a meeting. Kushner acknowledged that these types of diplomatic agreements often require considerable time to finalize and that patience is necessary for the process to succeed.
The trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi have been a focal point for recent diplomatic activity. On the first day of negotiations, the parties focused on security guarantees and reviewed Russia's specific demands. They also addressed the broader issue of Ukraine's future structure after the war concludes. These discussions set the stage for the continued engagement on the second day, which concluded with Kushner's remarks on the potential for a leader-level meeting.
Following the outcome of the second day of talks, it was announced that Kushner and Steve Witkoff, another key US envoy, will travel to Moscow. Their objective is to hold a meeting with President Putin. After their visit to the Russian capital, the two envoys are scheduled to meet with President Zelenskyy in Dublin, continuing the cycle of high-level diplomatic exchanges.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided an assessment of the progress made during the trilateral session on November 10. He characterized the talks as very productive, indicating that meaningful discussions were held among the parties. However, Rubio also cautioned that there remains a substantial amount of work to be completed before a final resolution can be reached, reflecting the ongoing nature of the negotiations.
President Zelenskyy offered his own perspective on the Abu Dhabi meeting, describing it as constructive and quite substantive. His assessment suggests that while the discussions were effective in moving the process forward, the complexity of the issues involved requires continued effort from all sides to achieve a lasting agreement.
The diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi represent a significant phase in the broader strategy to resolve the conflict. The involvement of high-ranking US officials, including Kushner and Witkoff, underscores the importance placed by the American administration on facilitating direct communication between the warring parties. Their upcoming trips to Moscow and Dublin are expected to further refine the terms being discussed in the trilateral framework.
As the negotiations continue, the prospect of a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting remains a key milestone. While both sides recognize the potential benefits of such a gathering, the timing and preconditions are subjects of ongoing debate. The Russian preference for additional progress before a summit highlights the cautious approach currently being taken by Moscow in its diplomatic interactions.
The international community is watching these developments closely as they could influence the trajectory of the conflict. The statements from US officials and the Ukrainian president suggest a shared commitment to substantive dialogue, even as differences persist regarding the immediate next steps in the peace process.
