U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow and potentially Kyiv this weekend as Washington seeks to revive stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but security concerns have cast doubt over their planned visit to the Ukrainian capital.

Witkoff and Kushner were reportedly preparing to visit Moscow and Kyiv on September 5–6, with Russian state media reporting that they would travel first to Moscow before heading to Kyiv.

However, the Kyiv leg of the trip has now been thrown into uncertainty after security concerns reportedly emerged over traveling to the Ukrainian capital. A person familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent that Witkoff had become concerned about the risks involved, while alternative arrangements were being discussed.

According to the source, Russian officials have warned that traveling to Kyiv could be dangerous. The report said Witkoff is particularly sensitive to Russian concerns, adding another complication to an already delicate diplomatic mission.

The two envoys had reportedly planned to fly to Kyiv, but Ukraine’s airspace remains closed to civilian aviation because of the war. Previous reports indicated that Witkoff had been uncomfortable with traveling to Kyiv by train, leaving the delegation to consider other logistical arrangements.

Zelenskyy Confirms Expected Meetings

The uncertainty emerged just one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Witkoff and Kushner had confirmed plans to meet Ukrainian officials.

Zelenskyy said on September 3 that the U.S. representatives were expected to visit both Moscow and Kyiv, describing continued American involvement in the diplomatic process as important for efforts to end the war.

The planned Kyiv visit would be significant because Witkoff and Kushner have previously traveled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin but have not yet visited Ukraine. Their first trip to Kyiv would signal a renewed effort by Washington to engage directly with both sides.

Security Concerns Intensify

The security situation in Kyiv remains a major obstacle.

Russia launched another drone attack against the Ukrainian capital on September 4, with reported damage to infrastructure and fires in the city. Ukrainian officials and media also reported attacks in and around Kyiv, adding to concerns over the safety of any high-level foreign delegation.

Reuters reported that Washington is seeking security assurances from both sides. The U.S. is reportedly asking Ukraine to refrain from striking Moscow while the envoys are in Russia and Russia to avoid attacks on Kyiv during their planned visit.

Despite the uncertainty, reports on Friday suggested that the envoys could still travel to Kyiv on Sunday, September 6, with the precise arrangements for reaching the capital still being worked out.

Washington Seeks to Revive Peace Talks

The possible trip comes as Washington attempts to restart diplomatic efforts that have largely stalled in recent months.

The last U.S.-mediated talks were held in February before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran shifted Washington’s attention. Since then, fighting between Russia and Ukraine has continued to intensify, with both sides carrying out increasingly deep strikes against targets far from the front lines.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently indicated that he believes there remains a possibility of reaching a peace agreement. Speaking at an economic forum, Putin said that countries including the United States and China were prepared to contribute to a settlement and that, in his view, there was still a chance for peace.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has likewise described a “new dynamic” in diplomatic efforts, suggesting that political contacts could gain momentum.

Nevertheless, major disagreements remain, particularly over territory and Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO. Moscow continues to demand territorial concessions and changes to Ukraine’s security orientation, while Kyiv has rejected such conditions.

For now, the proposed Moscow-Kyiv mission remains dependent on security and logistical arrangements. If Witkoff and Kushner do reach Kyiv, their visit could provide a significant opportunity for Washington to directly assess Ukraine’s position and attempt to bring the two sides back toward substantive negotiations. (ILKHA)