Lavrov says Witkoff and Kushner confirmed US interest in resolving Ukraine conflict

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner confirmed Washington's interest in resolving the conflict in Ukraine during a visit to Moscow on September 5.

According to Lavrov, the visit by the two figures, who have both played roles in US diplomatic efforts under the current administration, underscored continued American engagement on finding a path toward ending the war, even as fighting has continued on the ground.

Witkoff and Kushner have both been involved in various US diplomatic initiatives, and their trip to Moscow is one of several rounds of contact between American officials and the Russian government as part of broader efforts to explore a settlement to the conflict.

Diplomatic track continues

Lavrov's comments, delivered after the fact, offered his characterization of the September 5 meeting rather than a joint account from both sides. Russian officials have periodically used public statements about such meetings to signal their own reading of Washington's intentions.

The war in Ukraine, now well into its fourth year, has seen numerous diplomatic initiatives from various governments and intermediaries, with no comprehensive settlement reached to date. It remains unclear from Lavrov's remarks what concrete next steps, if any, emerged from the Moscow talks.