Zelensky criticizes American envoys for repeated trips to Moscow without visiting Kyiv. He claims that this is disrespectful and asks them to come to Ukraine.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi criticized American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who, according to him, do not show Ukraine enough respect, as they have not yet visited Kyiv, while they have already been to Moscow several times. TASR writes about it with reference to the DPA agency.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizes American envoys for repeated trips to Moscow.
- Zelenskyi considers the non-visit of Kyiv by ambassadors Witkoff and Kushner as a disrespectful gesture.
- The President emphasizes the need to visit Ukraine, while also admitting negotiations in a third country.
- Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are suspended because of the American priority of the conflict with Iran.
- Zelenskyy refuses to withdraw from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and proposes a cease-fire at the front.
“It is disrespectful to travel to Moscow and not stop in Kyiv,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with Ukrainian ICTV television on Monday. In his own words, he understands the difficulties associated with traveling to a war-torn country, but noted that others have already completed this journey.
Doubts about ambassadors
Witkoff and Kushner have previously traveled to Moscow several times for talks with President Vladimir Putin. They have not yet visited Kyiv, while their visit was expected after the Orthodox Easter.
In connection with the possible visit of American ambassadors to Kyiv, Zelensky said that the visit to Ukraine is necessary for them. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the most important thing is the result of the negotiations, and not the place where they are held. Therefore, he suggested that they can meet in another country. According to his own words, he is in regular telephone contact with the ambassadors.
Suspended negotiations
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Washington has been urging both sides of the conflict to conclude a peace agreement. However, the negotiations have been suspended since February, as the United States’ priority is the war against Iran. Both ambassadors are currently engaged in peace negotiations with Tehran.
In the interview, Zelensky once again rejected Russia’s demand that Ukraine completely withdraw from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. “That would undoubtedly mean a strategic defeat for us,” he said. Without its fortifications and built defense line, Ukraine would be weakened and an organized retreat would also reduce the morale of the Ukrainian army.
Armistice as an option
The quickest way to get closer to ending the war, he said, would be a cease-fire along the current front line.
