On the evening of June 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone conversation with U.S. special envoys Steve Vitkoff and Jared Kushner during a technical stop at Chisinau airport.
According to presidential office representative Dmytro Lytvyn, the discussion focused on diplomatic efforts to advance peace amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky later described the conversation as “very positive” on his social media platforms, expressing gratitude for the envoys’ willingness to engage actively in the coming weeks.
He emphasized the importance of their joint goal of achieving peace in Europe, especially given the global attention on the situation surrounding Iran. The conversation also touched on the upcoming G7 summit and other events scheduled for June, with Zelensky providing insights into Kyiv’s intelligence regarding Moscow’s intentions.
As of now, Vitkoff and Kushner have not publicly commented on the discussion. Meanwhile, Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev indicated on June 4 that there have been “active” contacts between the Russian side and the American negotiators.
At the end of May, Zelensky expressed hope for a visit from the U.S. special envoys to Kyiv within two weeks. However, sources from the Financial Times suggest that both Moscow and Kyiv view the prospects for renewed peace negotiations mediated by the U.S. as slim, even following the resolution of conflicts in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Zelensky engaged in a productive phone call with U.S. envoys regarding diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Russia. The discussion included future summits and the current geopolitical landscape.