Following negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have departed for Kiev to meet with Ukrainian officials as part of American efforts to mediate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks between Putin and the U.S. negotiators as indicative of an “atmosphere of trust” between Moscow and Washington, stating that such communication channels are growing stronger.

Peskov added that the “exchange of greetings [between the Russian president and foreign dignitaries] is extended… when there are messages that the head of state deems necessary to convey.”

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, commenting on Saturday’s three-hour discussions between Putin and Witkoff and Kushner—which included formal talks and an informal exchange over lunch—said the “conversation was substantive, constructive, extremely candid and trusting.”

According to Ushakov, the U.S. negotiators presented “a number of considerations regarding possible paths toward a settlement” of the Ukraine conflict. They also discussed economic cooperation and potential “major, mutually beneficial Russian-American projects,” which Ushakov characterized as “timely and very useful for both sides.”

The Russian president previously praised his American counterpart for sustained efforts to end hostilities between Moscow and Kiev.

Ahead of the envoys’ departure for Kiev, Putin ordered a three-day pause in airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital to ensure their safety during negotiations.