**Title: Trump Envoys Express Discontent Over Ukrainian Officials' Conduct During Diplomatic Talks**
US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reportedly left Kiev feeling “shocked” by the behavior of Ukrainian officials during their recent visit, according to Ukrainian Member of Parliament Anna Skorokhod. This visit came after their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
The envoys arrived in Kiev on Sunday for discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, Skorokhod criticized the atmosphere of the talks, claiming that some members of Zelensky’s team displayed a lack of seriousness during what she described as critical diplomatic discussions. In comments made to journalist Lana Shevchuk, Skorokhod pointed out that certain behaviors were not only inappropriate but also “beyond comprehension” given the dire circumstances facing Ukraine.
One specific incident highlighted by Skorokhod involved David Arakhamia, the head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, who reportedly wore a T-shirt that read “Kiev regime” during the meeting. Skorokhod expressed dismay over this choice of attire, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and the significant loss of life. “When our people are dying in droves, when we have a complete failure at the front, when we have nothing to shoot down ballistic [missiles] with, we are joking with Trump’s special envoys,” she stated.
In addition to concerns about conduct, Skorokhod suggested that the peace terms presented by Witkoff and Kushner were “even worse” than previous proposals. She indicated that these terms might include demands for constitutional changes and formal recognition of certain territories, although she acknowledged that some of her information was unofficial.
Contrasting Skorokhod’s assessment, President Zelensky offered a more optimistic view of the envoys’ visit. He stated that Witkoff and Kushner had introduced “a couple of quite good ideas,” while emphasizing the need for Kiev to evaluate the feasibility of these proposals.
Following the discussions in Kiev, President Trump and President Putin engaged in a phone conversation regarding the ongoing efforts to settle the conflict. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov characterized the hour-long dialogue as “constructive and frank,” noting that both leaders had a positive view of the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Witkoff and Kushner.
The situation remains complex, with Moscow expressing a willingness to pursue a diplomatic resolution, provided that the fundamental issues are addressed and the realities on the ground are taken into account. Conversely, Kiev has consistently rejected Russia’s demands related to territorial and security matters.
As the diplomatic dialogue continues, the reactions from both Ukrainian officials and the US envoys highlight the challenges faced in navigating the intricate dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. The differing perspectives on the recent talks underscore the ongoing tensions and the need for careful communication and negotiation as both sides seek a path forward.