Zelensky Critiques US Envoys for Disrespect in Diplomatic Visits

Wed Apr 22 2026 04:51:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his disappointment regarding US envoys' repeated visits to Moscow but not to Kyiv, deeming their actions disrespectful to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the visits of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow without corresponding visits to Kyiv, labeling their actions as 'disrespectful'. The comments highlight ongoing tensions and diplomatic complexities as the Ukraine war continues over four years after Russia's full-scale invasion. Zelensky emphasized the need for better US involvement in peace negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has deemed the absence of visits to Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner while they have traveled to Moscow multiple times as 'disrespectful'. This criticism was articulated during an interview with a Ukrainian news outlet, where Zelensky expressed his disappointment at the lack of diplomatic engagement from the US in Kyiv, especially amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.

The two US officials have visited Moscow several times, reportedly engaging in ceasefire discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Witkoff, in particular, has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions while failing to visit Kyiv in any official capacity.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of acknowledging Ukraine's situation and said, It's disrespectful [for them] to come to Moscow and not Kyiv, it's just disrespectful. He further suggested the possibility of meeting in third countries if logistics were problematic for visiting Ukraine directly.

Both Witkoff and Kushner have been part of the US negotiating team and were involved in talks related to a ceasefire with Iran, demonstrating a shift in US focus towards Middle Eastern conflicts amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. The duo was expected to visit Ukraine earlier in April, but the trip did not take place with the escalation of US-Israel tensions over Iran.

Although several trilateral discussions have occurred in the past between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, there has been no movement towards a resolution of the conflict, which has persisted for over four years since Russia's invasion in 2022. Zelensky's remarks reflect a deep desire for stronger US support and a significant role in negotiations to bring an end to the prolonged conflict.

As the war continues, the focus remains on potential diplomatic solutions to the crisis, with unresolved issues including Ukraine's territorial integrity and the status of Ukrainian children deported by Russia during the conflict.