Zelensky said that the failure of US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to visit Kyiv was “disrespectful”55 minutes agoLaura Getty ImagesPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he considered visits to Moscow by US envoys Steve Witkoff, but not Kyiv to be “disrespectful”. The pair visited Moscow in late 2013 as ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending Ukraine’s war gained momentum, and again in early 2014. Witkoff has visited Moscow eight times and met Vladimir Putin many times. He and Kushner have never visited Kyiv on an official basis. Zelensky told a Ukrainian publication that it was disrespectful for them to visit Moscow instead of Kyiv. “I understand that we have complicated logistics… “If they don’t wish to meet, we can do so in another country,” he said.Witkoff is Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, and Kushner, the US President’s son-in law. Zelensky had said earlier in April that the two planned to visit Ukraine. However, the trip never took place due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. The last trilateral meeting between Russia, the US, and Ukraine took place in mid-February. The US focused its attention on the Middle East and began to strike Iran less than two weeks after the last trilateral summit. “But… in whatever case, it is important for us to continue cooperating,” he added. Ceasefire talks gained momentum in autumn 2025 when it was revealed that Russian and US officials were working on a plan that included several terms that were unfavourable to Kyiv. Ukraine demanded to be included in the talks and several meetings and summits followed. In February, both Moscow, and Kyiv, announced that they had reached an accord on certain “military matters”, including the location and monitoring of ceasefires. The main issue is the status of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. Kyiv rejects Moscow’s demand that Ukraine cede its sovereign territory in exchange for a ceasefire. Neither side is willing or able to compromise, leaving the talks at an impasse. Kyrylo Budanov said in February that “we are looking for a compromis between two completely opposite positions.” “We haven’t found it yet. “At the end of the day, he said, both Kyiv, and Moscow, will “have to admit one of two things. Either we find a way to end this war and stop killing each other, or we take equal responsibility and admit that we didn’t. “The war that began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022 has been a daily reality for Ukrainians since over four years. The Russians control large swathes in eastern Ukraine, and Kyiv’s and Moscow’s forces continue to engage in a direct battle along a long frontline stretching from Luhansk to Kherson. On one night last year, Russia launched over 700 drones in multiple waves. At least 18 people were killed. Ukraine has increased its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure using long-range drones. These drones have hit ports, factories and oil terminals well into Russian territory. According to Reuters, at least 20 percent of Russia’s export capacity was not working in early April after the attacks. The energy crisis caused by war Iran has resulted in financial gain for Russia, as it has boosted its oil revenues. However, the country’s GDP continues falling.
