Trump envoy Witkoff gets cold feet as security fears stall diplomatic trip to Kyiv

According to a source familiar with the matter, Witkoff “started to get scared.”

“The Russians don't want them to come here to Kyiv, and Witkoff is always sensitive to Russian sentiment,” the source added.

The setback follows a detailed telephone call on August 31 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Witkoff, and Kushner, where the parties originally worked to lock in dates for the American delegation's first-ever visit to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy said on August 24 that the U.S., EU, and Ukrainian officials have developed a joint plan to end the Russo–Ukrainian war, calling for a ceasefire, reciprocal withdrawal of Russian and Ukrainian forces from the front line, and the creation of a buffer zone.

Witkoff and Kushner were originally scheduled to make their first visit to Ukraine on Independence Day, August 24, but the trip was officially postponed rather than canceled, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alex Raufoglu.

Zelenskyy previously urged deeper U.S. involvement during an August 12 interview with CNN, warning that Washington was not applying enough pressure to stop Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.