U.S. Peace Envoys Visit Moscow and Kyiv Amid Warnings of Prolonged Conflict

U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited Moscow on September 5 and Kyiv on September 6 to present revised peace proposals. President Volodymyr Zelensky described some of the ideas as pretty good and decent, though he noted it remains unclear if they can be effectively implemented. Zelensky highlighted grain and energy as sensitive issues where compromise may be possible, including a potential truce regarding aerial strikes on energy infrastructure. However, the European Union stated that Russia has shown no willingness to pursue a just and lasting peace and continues to escalate the conflict.

While the U.S. pushes for negotiations, other American officials are urging allies to prepare for a long term struggle. Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, told NATO allies they must prepare for a prolonged conflict in the coming months and years due to the reconstitution of Russia's military and industrial capacity. He emphasized that Europe should increase its own rearmament and maintain military support for Kyiv. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also called for intensified bilateral support, noting that Russia is adapting its battlefield capabilities with new drones and North Korean missiles.

European involvement in the peace process remains a point of discussion. While representatives from France, Germany, and the U.K. attended the meeting in Kyiv, the European Commission was not formally represented. The Commission reiterated that nothing regarding European security should be decided without Europe. Zelensky added that Europe is of fundamental importance to the negotiations because Ukraine intends to be part of the European Union.

Framing of the situation varies by political lean. Center sources focus on the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. envoys and the specific obstacles to peace, such as Russian territorial demands. A center right source emphasizes the strategic necessity of European reindustrialization and the reality of a prolonged military conflict.