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Zelensky criticizes US envoys for Moscow trips
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has labeled visits by two senior US envoys to Moscow but not Kyiv as "disrespectful," highlighting diplomatic tensions amid stalled peace efforts.
Background of the visits
Steve Witkoff, a real estate magnate and Donald Trump's special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, traveled to Russia late last year and again in January as ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv gained momentum. Witkoff, who has met Russian President Vladimir Putin multiple times, has visited Moscow eight times but has never officially traveled to Ukraine.
Zelensky's response
In an interview with a Ukrainian outlet, Zelensky expressed frustration over the envoys' decision to engage with Moscow while bypassing Kyiv. "It's disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv," he said. "I understand the logistical challenges, but if they prefer, we can meet in another country."
Zelensky previously stated in April that the pair had planned to visit Ukraine, but the trip was canceled amid escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Shifting priorities and stalled talks
The last trilateral summit involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine took place in mid-February. Shortly afterward, US and Israeli strikes against Iran diverted international attention from the Ukraine conflict, which has now entered its fifth year.
Witkoff and Kushner are currently part of a US delegation in Pakistan for ceasefire negotiations with Iran. Zelensky acknowledged the US focus on the Middle East but emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with Washington.
Key sticking points in negotiations
Ceasefire discussions accelerated in autumn 2025 after reports emerged of a US-Russia plan to end the war, which included terms unfavorable to Kyiv. Ukraine later secured a seat at the table, leading to multiple meetings and summits.
By February, both sides claimed progress on "military issues," such as frontline positions and ceasefire monitoring. However, critical disputes remain unresolved, including Russia's demand for control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and Kyiv's insistence on the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children.
"We are searching for a compromise between two completely polar positions. We haven't found it yet," said Kyrylo Budanov, Zelensky's chief of staff, in February.
Kyrylo Budanov
Budanov warned that both sides would eventually face a stark choice: "Either we find a solution and end this war, or we all take responsibility for failing to do so-and continue killing each other."
Ongoing conflict and economic impact
The war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, has devastated eastern Ukraine, with large areas remaining under Russian control. Fighting persists along a front line stretching from Luhansk to Kherson, while Russian drone and missile strikes regularly target Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure.
Last week, Russia launched over 700 drones and missiles in a single night, resulting in at least 18 deaths. Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, disrupting ports, factories, and oil terminals deep inside Russian territory. According to Reuters, these strikes disabled 20% of Russia's export capacity by early April.
Despite the economic strain, Russia has seen increased oil revenues due to the energy crisis triggered by the Iran conflict, though its GDP continues to decline.
