Trump envoy's possible Kyiv visit in doubt after Russian warnings
A planned visit to Kyiv by Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff may not go ahead after Russia reportedly warned it could be unsafe. The US delegation is now weighing alternative travel plans.
According to the outlet The Kyiv Independent, a planned visit to Kyiv by US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is now uncertain after he reportedly voiced concerns about the trip's safety. The outlet cites a source familiar with the matter.
Witkoff and Jared Kushner had planned to visit both Moscow and Kyiv on September 5-6 as part of efforts to restart talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. However, the source says the American delegation is now considering alternative options for the trip.
Warnings from Russia
The source told the outlet that Witkoff became more cautious after Russia warned that a visit to Kyiv could be unsafe. According to the source, Russia does not want the American delegation to travel to Ukraine's capital, and Witkoff is said to be particularly sensitive to Russian positions.
No final decision has yet been made on whether, or in what form, the trip will take place. Alternative plans that could change the route or timing of the visit are reportedly being discussed.
Zelensky's earlier statement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously spoken about a possible visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Kyiv. On September 3, he said that American negotiators should visit both Ukraine and Russia in the near future.
