The territorial issue remains the main obstacle to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. US presidential envoy Jared Kushner made the statement during an online appearance at the YES Annual Meeting 2026 on September 12.
According to Kushner, modern technologies have had such a profound impact on the course of hostilities that it is virtually impossible to predict the outcome of the confrontation. At the same time, Kyiv and Moscow remain deeply divided over territory.
“Territory will be the main issue, and the parties’ positions still differ. But even if the parties were prepared to reach an agreement on territory, the rest of the deal would still need to be put together. That is what we have been working on for the past nine months,” Kushner said.
Trump’s envoy noted that Russia had already outlined its demands. According to him, if Ukraine agreed to withdraw to the line proposed by the Kremlin, the remaining provisions of a potential agreement would already be in place. However, Kyiv is unwilling to do so.
“Our task as mediators is to find a creative solution that does not run counter to Ukraine’s interests, helps achieve the objectives, and at the same time allows us to persuade Russia to end the war,” Kushner said.
He also stressed that both countries should have prospects for economic development after the war ends. This would include attracting investment, creating jobs, raising wages and improving people’s well-being.
Kushner believes that public engagement in the peace process, combined with economic opportunities, could become one of the strongest guarantees of lasting peace.
“If we can bring peace here, it will unlock the enormous potential of both countries,” he added.
Moscow previously stated that potential large-scale, mutually beneficial projects between Russia and the United States were discussed during a meeting with US representatives on September 6. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks with Trump’s envoys in Kyiv covered not only security guarantees but also economic guarantees for Ukraine, reconstruction and recovery.
