Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Zelensky Meets U.S. Envoys as Russia Signals Negotiations

9/8/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Zelensky met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv.
The envoys said Russia is ready to negotiate.
They reported substantive progress on scheduling additional trilateral talks.
The United States is preparing a winter aid package that includes LNG.
Zelensky warned the war will likely continue into winter and require more air-defence.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the Budapest Memorandum, signed by Ukraine, the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom, gave security assurances after Kyiv gave up its nuclear arsenal, including transfer of four strategic warheads valued at about $1 billion. The 2024 meeting of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with President Zelensky echoes that guarantee as Kyiv seeks new aid to withstand Russia’s invasion through the winter.

1 of 2

Story summary

Zelensky met U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv.
The envoys said Russia is ready to negotiate.
They reported substantive progress on scheduling additional trilateral talks.
The United States is preparing a winter aid package that includes LNG.
Zelensky warned the war will likely continue into winter and require more air-defence.

1 / 2