Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed frustration over the prolonged absence of a U.S. negotiation team, emphasizing the need for direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict. During a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv on June 3, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with the United States.
“We are indeed in constant contact with the American side regarding our negotiators. We are expecting the delegation’s arrival, but it has been a long time coming. Unfortunately, we are not currently in focus. In my opinion, Iran is the number one issue for the U.S., followed by Ukraine. Sadly, we are in line behind these conflicts,” Zelensky stated.
He pointed out that the U.S. holds significant influence over Putin and suggested that the best outcome for Ukraine would involve both U.S. and European participation in peace talks. Zelensky stressed the importance of including European representatives at the negotiation table to ensure their concerns are addressed, especially as Ukraine aspires to join the European Union.
“Without a seat for Europe at the negotiating table, we cannot be certain that Europe will be heard, and it is crucial for us as future EU members. The war is here, on the European continent. I truly believe that the strongest option is the U.S. alongside representatives from Europe,” he added.
Zelensky reiterated that ending the war remains Ukraine’s top priority, and he is open to any negotiation format, including direct talks with Putin. “I am ready for direct negotiations with Putin to end this war. Rather than waiting in line for all conflicts around the world to be resolved, we need to act now,” he remarked.
On April 3, Zelensky had invited the American delegation to Kyiv for technical-level discussions, viewing this as an alternative to a trilateral meeting complicated by the ongoing conflict with Iran. Later, on April 14, he mentioned that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, were planning to visit Ukraine, which he described as a significant signal for the public.
By May 8, Zelensky expressed hopes for Witkoff and Kushner’s arrival in Ukraine around the transition from spring to summer, noting their roles in mediating discussions between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at finding a resolution to the war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated on May 22 that the American delegation has an open invitation to visit Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv would always welcome them. Zelensky expressed optimism on May 31 regarding the potential visit of Witkoff and Kushner to Kyiv within two weeks.
The last trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. took place in Geneva on February 17-18, where discussions focused on practical issues and potential solutions. Witkoff reported significant progress after the first day of negotiations, with both sides agreeing to update their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
Zelensky noted that during these discussions, a constructive approach was achieved regarding monitoring ceasefire compliance, with the U.S. committed to participating in this process.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for direct negotiations with Putin to resolve the ongoing conflict, expressing concern over the delayed visit of a U.S. delegation. He emphasized the necessity of including European representatives in the peace talks to ensure their voices are heard as Ukraine seeks to end the war.