Bombshell from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha: Putin–Zelensky meeting discussed in Kazakhstan – What Witkoff and Kushner's moves imply for visits to Kyiv and Moscow
Diplomatic developments surrounding the war in Ukraine are rushing forward at breakneck speed, as two distinct moves appear to converge toward a common point: the effort to restart peace negotiations and potentially prepare a historic summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the same time that Kyiv publicly opens up the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders in Kazakhstan, Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are reportedly preparing visits to both Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days. These two developments reinforce the impression that Washington is attempting to forcefully bring the peace process back to the forefront.
Kyviews Kazakhstan on the table
The Ukrainian side confirmed that the possibility of a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy in Astana has been discussed. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that Kazakhstan could play a key role as host for such a summit. This statement holds particular significance, as to date the two sides have agreed on neither the location nor the terms of a potential summit meeting. Kazakhstan now emerges as a viable neutral option, maintaining close ties with Russia while simultaneously keeping channels open with Ukraine and the West.
Can Astana become the new diplomatic hub?
According to the Ukrainian side, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already discussed with Kazakhstan's President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the potential role the nation could undertake in a future peace process. Kyiv views a more active involvement from Astana favorably. However, to date there is no confirmed agreement for a Putin–Zelenskyy meeting, nor has a specific date been announced. While the scenario remains purely on the table, its mere presence represents a significant shift compared to the diplomatic deadlock of previous months.
Trump's inner circle back in Moscow and Kyiv
Simultaneously, the American side appears to be maneuvering behind the scenes with heightened intensity. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have undertaken special diplomatic missions on behalf of Donald Trump, plan to visit both Moscow and Kyiv according to reports. Russian news agency TASS reported, citing a source with knowledge of the discussions, that these visits are expected to occur within the coming days. If confirmed, this would represent yet another effort by Washington to bring both sides closer to direct negotiations.
Rubio: Full focus on peace agreements
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Witkoff and Kushner are fully focused on securing peace agreements, with the primary front remaining the war in Ukraine. Their presence in Moscow and Kyiv gains even greater significance when linked to the Astana scenario. The key question is whether the two envoys carry concrete proposals capable of paving the way for a direct summit.
Moscow signals readiness to listen
The Russian side has left the door open for continued dialogue with the US. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Moscow will not reject contacts with Trump's special envoys. However, he made clear that the specific substance of the American proposals will prove decisive. Echoing this stance, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Moscow can swiftly organize a visit for the US envoys once their concrete plans are clarified.
Kremlin awaits reboot of contacts
The Kremlin has likewise indicated it expects renewed momentum. Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russian leadership expects US-Russia contacts over Ukraine to resume shortly. This stance reinforces the perception that Moscow–Washington communications are entering an intense preparatory phase. It is precisely into this framework that the Kazakhstan scenario fits.
Putin opens window for potential deal
Vladimir Putin has also stated that he continues to view a deal to end the war as possible. Despite the harsh rhetoric exchanged with Ukrainian leadership, Moscow has not completely closed the door to diplomatic negotiations. Instead, contacts appear to continue across various channels involving diplomats, special envoys, and intelligence agencies. The contradiction is stark: sharp rhetoric in the public sphere, but open channels behind the scenes.
Zelensky declares readiness for fresh talks – What happens in Astana
On the other hand, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly declared his readiness for a personal summit with Putin on neutral ground. The Ukrainian government wants such a meeting to deliver concrete decisions rather than a mere symbolic photo opportunity. Kyiv insists that any potential agreement must safeguard Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This core demand remains the single greatest diplomatic obstacle.
Budanov foresees new restart in September
Operating behind the scenes, Kyrylo Budanov has referenced the potential resumption of talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations during September. Previous trilateral contacts between Ukraine, Russia, and the US had frozen. Now, however, Kyiv appears eager to revive these diplomatic channels. The potential presence of Witkoff and Kushner across both capitals could serve as the crucial first step.
Trump at the center of the grand maneuver
The pivotal factor across this entire chain of events is Donald Trump. Washington is attempting to position itself once again as the primary mediator capable of engaging simultaneously with Moscow and Kyiv. Trump's envoys are shuttling between the two capitals while Kazakhstan offers itself as neutral territory. As the Putin–Zelenskyy scenario resurfaces, the next few days could prove decisive if these efforts form part of a unified diplomatic push.
Setting the table for the big summit?
For now, no official agreement has been announced, no date fixed, and no formal confirmation given that Putin and Zelenskyy have agreed to sit face-to-face in Astana. Yet three elements stand out: Kyiv speaks openly about Kazakhstan, Moscow leaves dialogue open, and Trump envoys prepare to move between both capitals. The diplomatic puzzle is beginning to take shape, and should these background contacts lead to a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Astana could suddenly find itself at the center of one of the most vital diplomatic moments since the war began.
The next move could decide everything
The divide between Russia and Ukraine remains vast. Key issues like territorial concessions, security guarantees, a formal ceasefire, and the future of occupied regions present immense hurdles. Yet for the first time in months, simultaneous moves are occurring across Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington, lending real weight to the Kazakhstan reports. The fundamental question now is not merely whether a Putin–Zelenskyy summit will occur, but whether Donald Trump and his envoys can bring both leaders to the same table before this diplomatic window closes once more.
Six years without a face-to-face meeting
Today's discussion regarding a potential summit between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Astana is not the first attempt to bring both leaders to the same table. Their sole face-to-face meeting to date occurred in Paris in December 2019 under the Normandy Format, alongside Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel. Subsequent efforts failed to yield a direct encounter: in 2021 Zelenskyy proposed a meeting in the Donbas while Putin offered Moscow; in 2022 Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted to upgrade Ankara talks to a full summit without success; in May 2025 Zelenskyy offered to travel personally to Istanbul but Putin did not appear; later Donald Trump pushed for a trilateral summit, and proposals for neutral ground resurfaced into 2026. Thus, the Kazakhstan scenario represents the latest in a long series of attempts to secure a second face-to-face summit since 2019, made far more significant this time by the intense shuttling of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner between Moscow and Kyiv.
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