Zelensky Criticises US Envoys for Skipping Kyiv Visits During Ukraine War Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised US envoys for visiting Moscow but not Kyiv, calling the decision “disrespectful” amid ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s comments were directed at Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have held multiple meetings in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin but have not made an official visit to Kyiv.
“It’s disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine remains open to meeting US officials in other locations if logistics are an issue.
The remarks come as diplomatic focus has shifted toward rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, drawing attention away from efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Witkoff and Kushner are currently part of a US delegation involved in broader negotiations, including planned talks in Pakistan, further highlighting Washington’s divided diplomatic priorities.
Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have made limited progress, with some agreements reached on military issues such as front-line positioning and ceasefire monitoring. However, major disagreements remain unresolved.
Key sticking points include Ukraine’s demand for the return of deported children and Russia’s insistence on political changes in Kyiv. The future of the eastern Donbas region also remains a central dispute, with both sides unwilling to compromise.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, continues to have devastating consequences. Large areas of eastern Ukraine remain under Russian control, while ongoing drone and missile attacks have caused civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage.
Despite the stalemate, Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, impacting a significant portion of Russia’s export capacity.
As the conflict stretches into its fourth year, Zelensky emphasised the importance of continued cooperation with the United States, even as frustrations grow over diplomatic engagement.
