Zelensky Criticizes Planned Moscow Visit

Zelensky said it was inappropriate for US foreign envoys to visit Moscow without first coming to Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Bundestag Julia Kloeckner (unseen) attend a press conference in Kyiv on March 11, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized plans for a high‑level visit to Moscow by US envoys, saying it was disrespectful to engage with Russia without first visiting Kyiv, BBC reported. In an interview with ICTV aired on Monday, Zelensky said it was inappropriate for international representatives to travel to Russia while bypassing Ukraine , which has been defending itself against Moscow’s full‑scale invasion since 2022 . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “It is disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv,” Zelensky said, warning that such contacts risk sending the wrong signal during the ongoing war. His remarks came amid reports that Steve Witkoff , a close ally of former US President Donald Trump , and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son‑in‑law, were expected to meet Russian officials in Moscow. The US envoys previously met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in January 2026. Zelensky said Ukraine remained open to dialogue and suggested meetings could take place in other locations if travel to Kyiv was not possible. “If they don’t want to, we can meet in other countries,” Zelensky stated. He added that any potential visit by Witkoff and Kushner “shouldn’t be sensationalized,” saying it would be “more important for them than for us.” There have been no confirmed plans for US envoys to meet Zelensky in Ukraine. Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.