Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are slated to travel to Kyiv for the first time in the second half of August, according to reporting by Kyiv Post and TVP World. The upcoming visit by the two businessmen, who have been given central roles in Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, has triggered sharp criticism from prominent local journalists over the delegation’s commercial approach to diplomacy.
Kyiv Post Editor Condemns Witkoff and Kushner Visit
Bohdan Nahaylo, editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post, strongly condemned the impending trip during an interview with TVP World. According to Nahaylo, the meetings led by Witkoff and Kushner should not be categorized as diplomatic endeavors.
“I won’t even call these diplomatic attempts. These are business attempts, carried out by businessmen close to Trump. These are not diplomats,” Nahaylo told TVP World. He claimed the envoys have been negotiating with Moscow to secure terms favorable to the Trump administration while targeting Ukraine’s mineral wealth.
While Witkoff and Kushner have previously held several meetings with Russian representatives in locations such as Moscow, they have not yet traveled to the Ukrainian capital. Nahaylo noted that the timing of the visit is particularly sensitive, as it coincides with the approach of Ukraine’s 35th independence anniversary on August 24, making the presence of the U.S. envoys difficult for local citizens to accept.
Did you know? Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held multiple meetings with Russian officials in places like Moscow, but their upcoming August trip marks their first visit to Kyiv since taking on their roles in Trump’s peace initiative.
Zelenskyy Outlines Air Defense Shortages and U.S. Missile Needs
The announcement of the envoys’ travel schedule arrives alongside fresh diplomatic proposals delivered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to American negotiators regarding potential paths to end the conflict. According to Zelenskyy, the United States holds the capacity to alter Russia’s calculus by increasing pressure and bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, particularly in air defense.
Recent weeks have seen heavy Russian missile barrages targeting Kyiv, resulting in civilian casualties and destroyed residential infrastructure. During one recent assault, Ukrainian defenses failed to intercept any of the 28 ballistic missiles fired by Russian forces. In an interview published Thursday by CNN, Zelenskyy detailed the severe depletion of the country’s defensive arsenal.
Ukraine currently operates with “two and a half times fewer antiballistic missiles than in 2025,” Zelenskyy told CNN, adding that Russia’s monthly output of ballistic missiles has doubled compared to pre-war figures.
“This year, I am asking our American partners to sell me 5 percent of the missiles they have in their arsenal,” Zelenskyy said in the CNN interview. “If they sell us 5 percent, we can get through the winter and save lives. If they can sell us 10 percent, we can destroy all the Russian ballistic missiles.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visiting Kyiv?
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Kyiv for the first time in the second half of August, according to reports from Kyiv Post and TVP World.
What is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request regarding U.S. air defense?
In an interview with CNN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked American partners to sell Ukraine 5 to 10 percent of the antiballistic missiles in the U.S. arsenal to help intercept incoming Russian strikes and protect civilians through the winter.
How has the Kyiv Post reacted to the upcoming U.S. delegation visit?
Kyiv Post editor-in-chief Bohdan Nahaylo criticized the visit in an interview with TVP World, characterizing the envoys’ efforts as business negotiations aimed at securing terms favorable to the Trump administration rather than traditional diplomacy.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming diplomatic visits and air defense requests? Join the discussion in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates.