Visit to Kyiv is needed more by Witkoff and Kushner than by Ukraine - Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a possible visit by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Ukraine is important primarily for the US representatives themselves, according to Zelenskyy’s interview during the national telethon live broadcast.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the possible visit of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are involved in contacts between Ukraine, the US, and Russia. According to him, the visit is needed more by the American side.
The president stressed that he considers it wrong to ignore Kyiv while visits to Moscow are taking place.
He said such actions look disrespectful, despite logistical difficulties.
"We should not turn the visit of Jared and Witkoff into some kind of special sensation, because, first of all, we are in contact with them. Secondly… I believe their visit is needed not by us, but by them. Why? Because it is, how to put it, not very respectful — to go to Moscow and not come to Kyiv. It is simply disrespect," Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the president noted that he is ready to meet US representatives in any country in the world.
"I understand, our logistics are more complicated. Everyone travels. People do travel. If they don’t want to, we will meet in other countries. It’s not about the place, it’s about the result. They are in contact by phone and express a desire to continue communication and negotiations," the president emphasized.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine remains open to meetings in any format and in any country if they bring results.
According to the president, contacts are currently continuing by phone, but the key problem remains Russia’s unwillingness to end the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv is working on an updated security guarantees document aimed at ensuring effective protection against possible new Russian aggression and laying the groundwork for post-war reconstruction.
Zelenskyy said Russia has proposed new conditions for ending the war, under which Moscow insists Ukraine withdraw from Donbas within two months.
