Trump Envoys Face Backlash in Kyiv Over Putin-Friendly Remarks

President Trump’s top negotiators, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, faced public backlash in Kyiv on Sunday over remarks perceived as overly deferential to Russian President Vladimir Putin during Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Kushner, making his first visit to Kyiv, praised early trilateral talks conducted in Russian and echoed Putin’s stated objectives, while Witkoff was challenged by a Ukrainian reporter over his friendly relationship with the Russian leader. Both had met with Putin in Moscow on Saturday. The pair reportedly brought updated peace proposals, which Ukrainian media said included concessions previously rejected by President Zelensky, such as territorial relinquishment. Witkoff also praised Putin’s hospitality, and the delegation used Kremlin-provided vehicles, drawing further criticism.