US-Ukraine Diplomacy: U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv after more than three hours of talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, with Zelenskyy saying Kyiv is ready for “constructive” discussions and that proposals are prepared—though no breakthrough was announced and key disputes over territory and security remain. Winter “Package” Talks: Zelenskyy told reporters the talks focused on a winter plan combining air-defense reinforcements (including Patriot) and energy support, with Ukraine counting on LNG and help to protect the power grid as strikes continue. Trilateral Push: Kushner said Washington wants to revive direct negotiations in a trilateral format (U.S.-Russia-Ukraine), while Witkoff described Moscow talks as “good” and “concrete.” Ceasefire Reality Check: Despite pledges to avoid strikes on capitals during the visit, fighting continued elsewhere, and Zelenskyy said he expects the war to run into winter. Kyiv Symbolic Protest: Local media reported Witkoff and Kushner were gifted T-shirts mocking Putin’s “Kyiv regime” line. Pope Condemns Strikes: Pope Leo XIV condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine and urged diplomacy amid renewed negotiation efforts. Local Culture: A documentary photography exhibition, “Saving the Capital,” opened in Kyiv honoring rescuers and wartime resilience. Regional Impact: Russia struck the Orlivka border crossing with Romania, briefly pausing processing before operations resumed.