Trump envoys Ukraine visit in question, Foreign Minister weighs in
Photo: Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Against the backdrop of Russia's escalation, the plans of some foreign delegations in Ukraine have changed, according to Ukrinform.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha states at a joint press conference with Timco Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia, in Kyiv, that some delegations have postponed their trips to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Minister specifically highlights the arrival of his Macedonian counterpart, calling his visit a show of solidarity with Ukraine amid intensifying Russian attacks.
"Thank you for this truly courageous visit and expression of solidarity amid Russia's escalation. And it is also true and a fact that some delegations have postponed their visits to Ukraine, while our friend Timco is with us today. I greatly appreciate that," the Minister says.
What Sybiha says about Witkoff and Kushner
Journalists ask the Minister to clarify whether this might specifically refer to representatives of the US President, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Sybiha was also asked whether the Russian attack on Zhuliany Airport could be linked to a possible visit by American representatives.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry does not give a direct answer to this question. Instead, he links the Russian strikes to attempts to pressure Ukraine and international peace initiatives.
"Instead of peace, Putin has chosen escalation. Failing to achieve his goals on the battlefield, he has resorted to state terrorism, to missile terrorism. We see and feel this in Kyiv and across Ukraine every day," the Foreign Minister notes.
Russia trying to derail peace efforts
According to Sybiha, one of the objectives of the Russian attacks remains to influence public sentiment, as well as to attempt to destroy Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Separately, the Minister emphasizes the potential impact of Russia's strikes on international diplomatic efforts. He states that current events should also be viewed in the context of Russia's attempts to hinder the progress of the peace process.
"On the other hand, this is also a slap in the face to global peace efforts and an attempt to derail this process. Therefore, this context cannot be dismissed. It is true," Sybiha notes.
At the same time, the Foreign Minister stresses that Kyiv is counting on continued active cooperation with Washington on issues related to a peaceful settlement.
"And we expect, I repeat, a new dynamic with our American partners in the peace efforts. We are currently engaged in an active dialogue with them, and I hope this dynamic will be achieved in the short term," the Minister says.
Witkoff and Kushner were considering a trip to Moscow and Kyiv on September 5–6. However, the US representatives' plans may change, as, according to sources, the Russian side is trying to prevent this.
