Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced reservations about the current format of U.S.-facilitated peace discussions, underscoring the importance of reciprocal diplomatic engagement as efforts to resolve Russia’s war in Ukraine remain stalled.

In an extensive interview broadcast on Monday by Ukrainian channel ICTV, President Zelensky addressed the anticipated visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. While acknowledging ongoing communication, he described the envoys’ repeated trips to Moscow without a corresponding visit to Kyiv as unbalanced.

“I consider their arrival is needed by them, not us,” Zelensky said. “It’s disrespectful to come to Moscow and not Kyiv. I understand we have complex logistics… If they don’t want to, we can meet in other countries.”

The two American representatives have conducted several visits to Moscow, including a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on January 22. They previously held talks with Ukrainian officials in Miami on March 22, but have yet to travel to Kyiv despite earlier expectations of an April visit.

Zelensky sought to normalize the process, noting that regular telephone contact continues. “We should not make the arrival of Jared and Witkoff some sort of special sensation,” he stated, “because first of all, we are in contact with them. They express their desire to continue communication and negotiations over the phone.”

On the substance of the talks, the Ukrainian leader reiterated that the most practical path to ending active hostilities would be a long-term ceasefire along the current line of contact. “There was a mutual understanding that we want a simple format because all that is complicated is difficult to implement,” he explained. “Let’s first cease fire long term, and this could be the end of the war in the form of combat.”

Zelensky added that such a sustained ceasefire could create space for broader diplomatic negotiations. However, he noted that Moscow continues to insist on Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas region as a core demand.

The remarks reflect Kyiv’s position that successful mediation requires even-handed engagement with both parties and a pragmatic, step-by-step approach beginning with de-escalation on the battlefield. U.S. officials have not yet commented publicly on the scheduling of the next round of meetings. (ILKHA)