Trump's special representatives' visit to Kyiv in question, Witkoff 'began to be afraid' - media

The first visit of US President's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv, planned for the coming weekend, is in question. The American negotiators planned to visit Moscow first and then the Ukrainian capital on September 5-6, but alternative options are now being discussed.

This is reported by Kyiv Independent, citing an informed source.

According to the publication's interlocutor, Witkoff 'began to be afraid' of the trip to Kyiv. The source claims that the Russian side does not want American representatives to travel to the Ukrainian capital and is convincing them that such a trip is dangerous.

A Kyiv Independent interlocutor also noted that Witkoff is sensitive to the Russian side's position. Due to his fears, alternative plans are allegedly currently being discussed.

Washington has not officially commented on the route and dates of the Witkoff and Kushner trip at the moment.

First Moscow, then Kyiv

At the same time, Russian TASS, citing its own source, reported that Witkoff and Kushner are to arrive first in Moscow, then in Kyiv.

"They plan to arrive in Moscow, then in Kyiv, on September 5-6," the agency's interlocutor said.

Thus, if the initial plan is maintained, Donald Trump's representatives are to hold negotiations in both capitals over the coming weekend.

For Witkoff and Kushner, this would be their first visit to Ukraine. At the same time, they have already repeatedly traveled to Moscow for negotiations with the Russian leadership.

Zelenskyy received confirmation of a meeting in Kyiv

The day before, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian team is virtually in round-the-clock contact with representatives of the US President and is preparing for upcoming meetings.

According to him, preliminary dates have already been set, and confirmation has been received from the American side regarding talks in both Moscow and Kyiv.

"We expect to see representatives of the President of America here in Kyiv. There is confirmation from them: there will be a meeting for them in Moscow and in Kyiv. We expect a meeting in the coming days," Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed that Ukraine is ready for a substantive meeting with American negotiators.

Possible cessation of strikes on Kyiv was also reported

Telegram channel Ukraine Context, which in the media environment is linked to sources close to the head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, also reported that visits by Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv are planned for this weekend.

According to the channel, for the visit to take place, the Russian side would have to completely halt strikes at least on Kyiv for one day. Officially, such an agreement has not been announced.

Meanwhile, on the morning of September 4, Russia again attacked the Ukrainian capital with drones. Kyiv Independent notes that warehouse premises were damaged and a fire broke out as a result of the attack.

Thus, as of now, Kyiv and Moscow are expecting a visit from American negotiators on September 5-6, and Zelenskyy confirms a meeting in the Ukrainian capital. At the same time, according to Kyiv Independent, the final format of the trip may still change due to Witkoff's fears.

Based on materials from: Kyiv Independent, Volodymyr Zelenskyy