On August 30, political scientist Ihor Reiterovych discussed the results of an important visit by the Ukrainian delegation to the United States. The highlight was a meeting with President Donald Trump's special representative, Steven Witkoff. The discussion focused on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, security guarantees, and other critical bilateral issues.
The visit took place amid complex developments in the US, including media controversies about Witkoff and responses from the White House. Meanwhile, social networks were spreading rumors about President Trump’s health and public absence.
During the meeting, the Ukrainian side was represented by the Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, and Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia. Ukrainian officials emphasized the importance of informing American representatives about Russian crimes, especially the recent massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv.
Yermak stated that the meeting aimed to boost real diplomacy and implement the agreements reached at the Washington summit. Ukraine strongly supports US peace initiatives, stressing that Russia deliberately stalls the negotiation process. Analysts note that Witkoff may have a limited understanding of the war’s intricacies, reportedly influenced by Russian perspectives.
Ukraine expressed openness to direct negotiations at the leaders' level but is cautious about initiatives where Russia claims veto power among security guarantors. Yermak invited Witkoff to visit Ukraine to witness the war’s consequences firsthand. Experts underline the importance of the meeting for building a mutual understanding of further diplomatic steps between Ukraine and the US.
Final assessments of the meeting's outcomes will depend on subsequent statements by US and Ukrainian leaders. Such discussions remain crucial for seeking compromise, supporting security guarantees, and ensuring coordinated international efforts.
