Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Budanov Expects High-Level US Delegation in Kyiv After Easter

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has expressed expectations that a high-level delegation from the United States will visit Kyiv after the Easter celebrations. According to a report by Bloomberg on Sunday, April 5, the delegation is set to arrive following April 12.

The delegation is reportedly to be led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Additionally, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham may also join the group during this significant visit to the Ukrainian capital.

Budanov stated, "Kushner, Witkoff, Lindsey Graham – these are the expected attendees. Who else will be there – we will see." He emphasized that this visit could lead to more substantial security guarantees for Ukraine. "We have long defined what we want. I believe this will be realized soon," he added, underscoring that "in terms of security guarantees, we have certainly made progress."

Furthermore, Budanov revealed that international partners have requested Ukraine to halt regular airstrikes on Russian oil refineries due to rising global oil and fuel prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

This planned visit comes after two days of negotiations in Florida on March 23, where Witkoff and Kushner met with Ukrainian representatives. While Russian officials were absent from these discussions, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that diplomacy continues to focus on humanitarian issues, such as prisoner exchanges.

However, formal trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine remain on hold. The Kremlin has confirmed that contacts with Kyiv are limited to humanitarian matters, while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhiy Tykhyy, stated that broader consultations are "delayed but not canceled."

This upcoming visit underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war and escalating security challenges. Ukrainian officials hope that collaboration with the United States and other allies will lead to strengthened defense capabilities and ensure stability in the region.