Zelensky Criticizes US Envoys for Skipping Kyiv Visits

Tue Apr 21 2026 18:41:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses frustration over US envoy visits to Moscow without a corresponding trip to Kyiv, labeling it as disrespectful amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President Zelensky has voiced concern over US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, not visiting Kyiv while they travel to Moscow. He characterized this behavior as disrespectful, highlighting the importance of US engagement in Ukrainian negotiations, especially as ceasefire talks evolve. Despite the tensions, Zelensky emphasized the need for continued cooperation with the US, acknowledging complications posed by geopolitics.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the absence of visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv, while they frequently travel to Moscow, is disrespectful. He expressed his sentiments during an interview after both envoys met with Russian President Vladimir Putin multiple times, yet have not officially visited Ukraine.

It's disrespectful [for them] to come to Moscow and not Kyiv, it's just disrespectful, Zelensky remarked, urging the US representatives to engage with Ukraine directly. He noted the complexities of logistics but suggested they could meet in other countries if necessary.

Witkoff, who is Donald Trump's special envoy, has traveled to Russia eight times, while Kushner, also the US president's son-in-law, has not set foot in Ukraine on official business. Earlier this month, Zelensky had indicated plans for the two to visit Ukraine, but circumstances surrounding the escalating US-Israel tensions with Iran overshadowed those plans.

Zelensky acknowledged the shifting focus of the US negotiating efforts towards the Middle East but maintained that continued cooperation with the Americans was crucial for Ukraine. In that vein, he remarked, But... in any case, for us it is important to continue cooperating with the Americans.\

Ceasefire discussions have intensified in the last six months, with both Russian and US officials exploring avenues to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, which has affected Ukraine since 2022. Despite some military talks supposedly moving forward, critical issues remain unresolved, particularly Ukraine's territorial integrity and security concerns.