Zelensky criticizes U.S. envoys' Moscow visits

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he was unhappy with repeated trips to Moscow by two U.S. envoys who have not followed those visits with an official stop in Kyiv. Zelensky singled out Steve Witkoff, described as a special envoy for Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, identified as the U.S. president’s son-in-law.

According to the account, Witkoff and Kushner have traveled to the Russian capital multiple times since late 2025 as part of ceasefire talks linked to the war in Ukraine. Zelensky said the lack of a Kyiv visit was “disrespectful,” while also noting that travel and scheduling can be complicated and that meetings could be arranged in other locations.

Witkoff has reportedly met Russian President Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions during eight trips to Moscow. The same account said the envoys’ recent attention has shifted toward the Middle East, where ceasefire negotiations involving Iran are under way. Zelensky said he understood that focus, but stressed that U.S.-Ukraine cooperation should continue.

Ceasefire discussions between Russia and the United States were described as accelerating in autumn 2025, culminating in a trilateral summit in mid-February. The talks have produced agreement on some “military issues,” including front-line demarcation and how a ceasefire would be monitored, according to the description.

However, the negotiations remain stuck on major political demands. Ukraine is seeking the return of children it says were forcibly deported. Moscow, meanwhile, is said to be pressing for “regime change” in Kyiv and for territorial concessions in the Donbas region, leaving the process at an impasse.