U.S. Envoys Visit St. Sophia Cathedral Ahead of Peace Talks

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv on September 6, 2026, as the sides held discussions focused on efforts to revive peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Before heading to the Presidential Office for talks, Zelensky met the American delegation on Sophia Square and accompanied Witkoff and Kushner inside St. Sophia Cathedral. A museum employee told the visitors that the historic cathedral had been constructed in the 11th century. Zelensky also drew attention to the landmark while speaking with Kushner.

The negotiations later included European representatives, according to Zelensky's statement. He said the discussions addressed the possibility of restarting negotiations, security guarantees, Ukraine's territorial issue, and economic support for rebuilding the country after the war. Zelensky also said the parties discussed preparations for the winter period, including air defense, energy security, and the potential use of American liquefied natural gas.

Zelensky said the American delegation's earlier discussions in Russia and its subsequent meetings in Kyiv represented a renewed opportunity for negotiations. He added that Ukraine, the United States, and European countries had agreed to meet again in the near future, although the location had not yet been determined.

Previously, the UOJ reported that US-mediated Ukraine-Russia talks resumed in Abu Dhabi.