Trump envoy Witkoff gets cold feet as security fears stall diplomatic trip to Kyiv

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were set to journey to Kyiv on September 4-5, but their trip has been called into question due to escalating security worries. Witkoff reportedly became increasingly anxious following a barrage of Russian airstrikes, according to a source close to the situation.

The diplomat expressed that "the Russians don't want them to come here to Kyiv," emphasizing his sensitivity to Russian sentiment. This development follows a significant telephone conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Witkoff, and Kushner on August 31, aimed at finalizing the dates for the American delegation's inaugural visit to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy had announced on August 24 that the U.S., EU, and Ukrainian officials had formulated a joint strategy to end the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, advocating for a ceasefire, mutual withdrawal of Russian and Ukrainian forces from the front line, and the establishment of a buffer zone. Initially scheduled for Independence Day on August 24, the trip was postponed rather than canceled, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Alex Raufoglu.

Zelenskyy had previously urged for increased U.S. engagement in an August 12 CNN interview, warning that Washington was not applying sufficient pressure to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin.