Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner of lacking respect for Ukraine.
April 21, 2026, 04:16April 21, 2026, 04:16
“It is disrespectful to travel to Moscow and not come to Kiev,” said the head of state in an interview for the state news program. Although he understands the difficulties of traveling to the war-torn country, others would also travel to Kiev. With a view to such a visit on site, Zelensky said: “It’s not us that needs it, it’s them.” At the same time, he emphasized that for him it was the result and not the location of the discussions that mattered.
Volodymyr Selenskyj and Steve Witkoff in Berlin in December.Image: keystone
Zelensky once again rejected a Russian-demanded withdrawal from the eastern Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. “That would undoubtedly be a strategic defeat for us,” said the head of state. Without the fortifications and the expanded defense line, Ukraine would become weaker. An ordered withdrawal would also morally weaken the Ukrainian army. For Zelenskyj, the quickest way to end the war is through a ceasefire along the current front line.
Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion with Western help for more than four years. Washington has been urging the warring parties to reach a peace agreement for months. However, negotiations have been on hold since February due to the Iran war. Witkoff and Kushner had previously traveled to Moscow several times for talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. A visit expected after Orthodox Easter would have been the first in Kiev. But so far it hasn’t taken place. Orthodox Easter was celebrated on April 12th. (sda/dpa)