‘The Russians Don’t Want Them There’ Security Concerns Cast Doubt on Trump Envoy Witkoff’s Visit to Kyiv
— Global Journal | Kyiv, Ukraine | September 4, 2026
The planned visit of US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner to Kyiv has come under uncertainty due to Russian objections, security risks and logistical challenges. The two were scheduled to travel to Moscow and Kyiv on September 5–6, but it remains unclear whether they will ultimately be able to visit the Ukrainian capital, according to The Kyiv Independent.
According to the report, Witkoff has become concerned about the security situation in Kyiv. A person familiar with the matter said that Russia does not want the US envoys to come to Kyiv and that Witkoff is particularly sensitive to Russian sentiment. As a result, concerns have emerged over whether the trip can be carried out safely.
Multiple sources said the US envoys had planned to travel to Kyiv by air. However, the closure of the Ukrainian capital’s airspace has created logistical difficulties. Traveling by train has also been considered as an alternative, but one source said Witkoff is not comfortable making the journey that way.
Russian Drone Strikes Heighten Security Concerns in Kyiv
On September 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Witkoff and Kushner’s visit to Ukraine had been confirmed. At the same time, however, Kyiv was facing a series of Russian drone attacks.
According to the report, Kyiv had come under Russian drone attacks for eight consecutive days as of September 3. On the morning of September 4, the capital was hit by another drone attack, damaging several warehouses and causing a fire.
The attacks have further complicated the security situation ahead of the planned visit by the US envoys.
Washington Has Yet to Receive Security Guarantees From Russia
A source close to the Trump administration confirmed that the trip could still be cancelled. A person familiar with the matter said the White House had asked Russia not to launch attacks on Kyiv while Witkoff and Kushner were in the city.
However, according to the source, Moscow has so far provided no security guarantees in response to the request.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Washington had similarly asked Ukraine to refrain from attacks on Moscow during the US envoys’ visit. He did not, however, provide any assurance that Russian forces would refrain from attacks while US officials were in Kyiv.
Would Be Witkoff and Kushner’s First Visit to Ukraine
If the trip goes ahead, it would be Witkoff and Kushner’s first visit to Ukraine. They have previously travelled to Moscow several times and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to receive the US envoys. He stressed the importance of meeting them in Ukraine and said that continued active US engagement was also important.
So far, however, the US government has not issued a detailed official statement regarding Witkoff and Kushner’s planned visit to Kyiv.
August Visit Was Also Postponed
Witkoff and Kushner had also planned to visit Ukraine in August, but that trip was postponed.
According to the report, one reason cited at the time was that Trump wanted to keep his diplomatic envoys closer to Washington amid the unresolved crisis surrounding Iran.
Ultimately, whether Witkoff and Kushner will travel to Kyiv will depend on the security situation, Russia’s position and the ability to secure the necessary logistical arrangements.
— Global Journal | Kyiv, Ukraine | September 4, 2026
Source: The Kyiv Independent
