KYIV, Ukraine (FN), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized U.S. envoys linked to Donald Trump for repeatedly visiting Moscow while avoiding Kyiv, calling the snub “disrespectful” and warning it undermines trust in peace efforts.
In remarks over the weekend, Zelensky said envoys such as real estate magnate Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son‑in‑law Jared Kushner have held multiple meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin but have not once traveled to Kyiv. “It’s disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is open to meeting in other countries if the envoys refuse to visit.
The comments highlight growing unease in Kyiv over parallel diplomatic channels that bypass Ukraine’s leadership. Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022, Zelensky has insisted that international mediators must engage directly with Ukraine to avoid legitimizing Moscow’s aggression.
Similar frustrations have surfaced before. In 2019, Zelensky rebuked European politicians who visited Moscow without consulting Kyiv, warning it weakened EU unity. In 2023, Ukraine condemned African Union envoys who met Putin in St. Petersburg without first visiting Kyiv. Analysts say the latest episode underscores the sensitivity of back‑channel diplomacy and the risk of sidelining Ukraine in negotiations.
Reactions to Zelensky’s remarks were mixed. Ukrainian officials backed his stance, saying bypassing Kyiv delegitimizes Ukraine’s role in peace talks. Civil society groups welcomed the rebuke, urging transparency in any negotiations. Critics argued Zelensky risks alienating potential mediators, though most analysts say his comments reflect frustration with being excluded.
International observers note that the controversy highlights tensions between official U.S. diplomacy and Trump‑aligned informal channels. With the war grinding on, Zelensky’s insistence on equal treatment signals his determination to keep Ukraine at the center of any peace process.
