November 30, 2025

KYIV — Ukrainian and American delegations traded warm words Sunday as they attended a key meeting on how to end Russia’s war in Europe, but beneath the surface Kyiv remains concerned the U.S. only has ears for Vladimir Putin.

The talks were Ukraine’s best chance to lobby Special Representative Steve Witkoff before he heads to Moscow next week for talks with Russian officials including the country’s president.

“In general, Ukrainians have the impression that the Americans want to bypass [President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy in their consultations with Putin now, agree on something with Putin, and then return to talking with Ukraine,” a senior official familiar with the negotiations told POLITICO. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details.

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