Zelensky Meets Witkoff and Kushner as Trump Dispute Escalates Over Russia Policy

On Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in discussions with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner amid escalating tensions with US President Donald Trump. Zelensky emphasized that "a lot depends on America," expressing Ukraine's willingness to work "constructively" and "honestly" with the US. He previously warned against the US aligning with Moscow during what is described as Europe's most severe conflict since World War II. The meeting coincided with Russian and Ukrainian forces targeting each other's energy facilities, resulting in widespread power outages. Meanwhile, Kyiv executed its largest drone strike on St Petersburg since the conflict began in 2022. Concerns have risen in Kyiv and Europe over Trump's recent actions, including blocking new sanctions on Russia and finalizing a diesel deal with Moscow. After the talks, Zelensky reiterated the significance of the US stance, stating, "this war must be brought to an end."