Washington's envoys have brought new and "more effective" proposals on ending the war with Russia to Kiev, a senior Ukrainian presidential official told AFP.
The visit by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner marked their first journey to the Ukrainian capital, coming a day after three hours of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
"It's not the same as it was before. This one now is more effective. They're still talking. This is actually the most important part," the senior Ukrainian official said.
While both President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the American delegation offered upbeat assessments, neither announced an immediate breakthrough.
"We very much hope that we will be able to reach agreements with our American partners, and we are counting on the support of our European partners if the war continues in winter -- and this is how it appears at the moment," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy confirmed upcoming consultations with the US, France, and Germany, whose representatives joined a separate session in Kiev, adding: "Here we are all on the same side".
He reiterated that territorial issues can only be resolved through direct talks between heads of state.
Territorial divide
Moscow currently occupies large areas of eastern and southern Ukraine, demanding recognition of occupied and claimed regions—terms Kiev rejects.
Witkoff noted that both sides must make concessions: "We think we have the ingredients to get to that place. We've had a very meaningful discussion, substantive, important, and we are very encouraged".
Kushner added: "Hopefully this trip has come out with some new ways to advance forward".
A White House official confirmed the envoys discussed substantive plans in Moscow that will be announced in the coming weeks.
