What happened
At midday on September 5, the US aircraft carrying President Trump's special envoy Witkoff and his son-in-law Kushner entered Russian airspace, according to air traffic control information. A convoy sent to welcome the US representatives drove into Moscow's Vnukovo airport.
The trip follows President Trump's September 4 confirmation that the two would visit Russia and Ukraine with a proposal to 'end the war.' Trump said the Ukraine crisis 'must be resolved' and that he was sending them to Moscow and Kyiv 'to see if anything can be achieved,' adding that a deal was likely.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner would come to Kyiv on September 6 after visiting Moscow. He stated that Ukraine would not carry out airstrikes during that period and that Russia must take the same action.
Why it matters
This visit puts a high-level US diplomatic team directly in Moscow with a concrete peace plan, signaling a notable escalation in Washington's efforts to mediate the conflict. The involvement of Trump's son-in-law suggests a personal, high-stakes channel beyond formal diplomacy.
Zelensky's pledge to suspend airstrikes during the visit, conditional on reciprocity from Russia, indicates Kyiv is willing to create conditions for talks, but the actual outcome depends on whether Moscow will match that gesture.
Key facts
The plane carrying Witkoff and Kushner entered Russian airspace on September 5 around noon, and a welcoming convoy arrived at Vnukovo airport.
Trump confirmed on September 4 that Witkoff and Kushner would visit Russia and Ukraine with a plan to end the war, saying the crisis 'must be resolved.'
Zelensky said the two envoys would visit Kyiv on September 6 after Moscow, and that Ukraine would not launch airstrikes during that time, expecting Russia to do the same.
CIA Director Ratcliffe made a surprise visit to Russia on August 25, which Trump later linked to efforts to end the war.
What to watch next
Whether Moscow agrees to reciprocate Ukraine's no-airstrike pledge during the envoys' visit, and whether the Moscow talks produce any concrete commitments.
The content of the plan Witkoff and Kushner are presenting, and whether the Kyiv leg of the visit yields any visible progress or public statements from Zelensky.
Whether the arrival of the US delegation leads to any immediate change on the ground, especially regarding the reported airstrike suspension.