Ukraine-Russia — 2026-04-05

Witkoff and Kushner Expected in Kyiv After Easter to Reboot Ukraine Peace Talks

Ukraine expects US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to lead a delegation to Kyiv shortly after Orthodox Easter (April 12), which would mark their first visit to the Ukrainian capital. Sen. Lindsey Graham may join the delegation. A US official confirmed to Bloomberg that the trip is under discussion but not yet confirmed. Ukraine-Russia talks had stalled after the Iran war diverted diplomatic attention and US military resources. Kyiv seeks clarity on specific US security assurances against future Russian aggression as part of any deal. The Zelensky administration has warned that a prolonged Iran war further empowers Russia.

Analysis
This would be Witkoff and Kushner's first Kyiv visit despite multiple Moscow trips, a sequencing that has deepened Ukrainian distrust. The Iran war has paradoxically given Ukraine leverage: Kyiv's drone expertise is now a bargaining chip in Gulf defense arrangements, even as US arms may be diverted to the Iran theater.
2 sources
  1. Witkoff and Kushner may make first-ever Kyiv visit, Ukraine's Presidential Office chief says - Euromaidan Press
  2. Ukraine Expects Top US Envoys in Kyiv This Month to Reboot Talks - Bloomberg

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