Home · World · Sep 19 archive
Ukraine, Russia Frustrated with US Envoy Witkoff
Developing
In Short: Ukrainian officials say they see few new ideas from the U.S. side and little willingness to pressure Russia, while the Kremlin blames Witkoff for diplomatic failures and his inability to pressure Ukraine into giving up territories.
Ukrainian and Russian officials are growing increasingly frustrated with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff over the lack of progress in peace talks, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Officials in both Kyiv and Moscow are questioning Witkoff's role in the U.S.-mediated peace process, citing a lack of new ideas and unwillingness to increase pressure on the other side.
During a round of trilateral negotiations, Witkoff sometimes left the negotiations without informing other participants, according to a person who attended the talks.
Witkoff's comments about the peace deal being about the 'five territories' were seen as emblematic of his lack of understanding of the territorial issues at stake.
In a meeting with Putin, Witkoff asked what Putin was drawing on a sheet of paper, further highlighting his perceived lack of understanding.
The Kremlin believes Witkoff was partly responsible for the failure of last year's summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska.
Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Russia and Ukraine in September to restart stalled negotiations, but behind the scenes, efforts are underway to sideline Witkoff.
Multiple initiatives are seeking to disrupt Witkoff's close relationship with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
Despite these efforts, Trump appears reluctant to dislodge Witkoff from his role.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had proposed securing an agreement with Russia to halt attacks on critical infrastructure, accusing Moscow of targeting food, energy, and other basic facilities.
Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported that Russian strikes on Kyiv had killed one person and wounded seven since the start of the day.
Zelenskyy insisted that Ukraine would halt its attacks on Russian territory only if the U.S. could secure a commitment from Russia to not hit Ukrainian infrastructure.
What this adds
Ukraine and Russia continue to deny Trump's claims of a truce, as both sides continue intense attacks.
The ongoing frustration with Witkoff highlights the challenges in mediating the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Background
Ukraine and Russia deny Trump's claims of a truce, as both sides continue intense attacks.
Ukraine has called for stronger US sanctions against Russia and has launched drone attacks on Russian industrial facilities, while Russian forces have struck several Ukrainian targets, causing civilian casualties.
What's still developing
- The episode became emblematic of what Ukrainian officials saw as a deeper problem: Witkoff was discussing some of the most consequential questions of the war without appearing to fully understand the territorial issues at stake.
- The Kremlin, meanwhile, was developing its own frustrations with the U.S. envoy.
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026 · 1:09 PM ET In Short: Ukraine and Russia deny Trump's claims of a truce, as both sides continue intense attacks.
- Ukraine and Russia have denied claims made by former U.S.
- Trump's statements came a day after he accused the 'Russia/Ukraine war' of causing rising diesel prices globally, not Iran.
- Zelenskyy's comments came on Monday after Trump claimed that Ukraine and Russia had decided to stop targeting each other's energy sites.