National News – Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for repeatedly visiting Moscow without making an official trip to Kyiv, describing the pattern as disrespectful amid ongoing ceasefire diplomacy between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in 2026.

According to diplomatic reports, Witkoff has travelled to Moscow around eight times as part of ceasefire discussions, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on several occasions.

However, neither he nor Kushner has undertaken an official visit to Kyiv, a gap that Ukrainian officials argue signals an imbalance in engagement and symbolic recognition during wartime negotiations.

Zelensky noted that earlier expectations of a visit to Ukraine were delayed, coinciding with shifting US diplomatic attention toward Middle East tensions involving Israel and Iran.

He suggested that if direct visits are difficult, neutral venues could be used to maintain dialogue.

Ukrainian observers say the optics of envoys prioritising Moscow travel could weaken Kyiv’s perception of equal partnership with Washington.

Analysts view the dispute as part of a broader strain in ceasefire diplomacy, where unresolved issues such as the status of Donbas, deported Ukrainian children, and calls for political change in Kyiv remain major sticking points.

In Ukraine, public sentiment reflects fatigue and sensitivity to perceived diplomatic neglect, while some commentators argue that Washington’s split focus risks slowing peace efforts.

Others caution that continued engagement, even if uneven, is still preferable to diplomatic isolation.

Ultimately, the episode highlights the delicate balance in wartime diplomacy, where symbolism, travel choices, and perceived respect can influence trust between allies as much as formal negotiations.

With the war continuing and frontline conditions unchanged, Kyiv is pushing for consistent engagement from all partners while Moscow continues high-level contacts with US envoys.

The disagreement underscores how even small diplomatic signals can shape broader geopolitical narratives and affect momentum in stalled peace talks.

For Kyiv, maintaining visibility in US-led diplomacy remains crucial as the conflict enters its fourth year, while expectations grow for more balanced engagement across all negotiation locations.