Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday he anticipates White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, will travel to Kyiv for negotiations in the coming weeks. Speaking on CBS News's "Face the Nation," Zelensky confirmed his negotiation team has been in contact with the two envoys, who have indicated readiness to visit Ukraine.
"Yes, we count on [them] coming to Kyiv," Zelensky said. "I hope that they will find a possibility to come here in two weeks. But at least I’ve got such message from my negotiation group, they told me that they had contacts with Steve and Jared, and they said that they are ready to come to Ukraine and to speak."
Iran Talks a Complicating Factor
Zelensky acknowledged that U.S. priorities in the Middle East have caused delays in Ukraine diplomacy. He noted that ongoing negotiations to end the conflict between the U.S. and Iran are a "priority" for Washington, leading to "pauses in our diplomatic negotiations."
"But I think that we need to see [the] American negotiation group in Ukraine," he said. "They’ve never been here. I think it’s important, not [only] for us. It’s useful for them to understand, to see, to see people, that their life is going on, but we want to stop this war."
Zelensky stressed that any U.S. delegation should visit Kyiv before traveling to Moscow. "If they want to go this time to Moscow, they have to come to Kyiv and then go to Moscow. I think it will be helpful," he said.
Ready for Direct Talks with Putin
The Ukrainian leader said the best outcome would involve the U.S., Ukraine, Europe, and Russia at the negotiating table, but he did not rule out bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I’m ready to meet with Putin if he will be ready," Zelensky said. "I think we need more sanctions. I think we need more pressure. And you asked when they will be ready, and if—if they will be ready, theoretically. I think yes, more sanctions, more pressure, they will be ready for the dialogue."
Warning of Imminent Attack
Zelensky warned that Ukraine is bracing for a major Russian assault within 48 hours of the interview, which was recorded Friday. He thanked U.S. and European partners for sharing intelligence. "We see the preparation, by the way—we are thankful to United States and European partners when they share with us intelligence," he said. "So, when we know that Russia prepares a big massive attack, definitely, our partners also know, maybe not a lot of details, but we know."
For more on Zelensky's warnings, see Zelensky Warns of Imminent Russian Assault Within 48 Hours.
Context of Ongoing Strikes
The interview was released before Moscow claimed that a Ukrainian drone struck the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant amid new overnight attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Zelensky wrote on the social platform X that a drone strike on the Saratov oil refinery was a "significant achievement."
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment on the potential visit.
As the Trump administration juggles multiple foreign policy crises, including stalled negotiations with Iran, the delay in Ukraine diplomacy underscores the challenge of maintaining focus on the war. For more on the Iran talks and their impact, see Trump Nears Decision on Iran Deal as Strait of Hormuz Talks Advance.
Zelensky's push for more sanctions and a visit from U.S. envoys comes as Ukraine seeks to maintain Western support amid war fatigue. The president's willingness to meet Putin directly signals a tactical shift, but he insists that only sustained pressure will bring Russia to the table.
