Ukraine negotiator praises US envoy, disputes critical report

Ukraine's top intelligence official, Rustem Umerov, praised U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's role in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, directly countering reporting by The Kyiv Independent that suggested frustration with Witkoff's involvement. Umerov, one of Kyiv's key peace negotiators, stated in an interview with Axios on Sept. 20 that he believes the work of American negotiators should be assessed by those directly involved.

Despite Umerov's endorsement, The Kyiv Independent had previously reported that Ukrainian officials privately questioned Witkoff's understanding of the war's complexities and his engagement in the peace process. The outlet also reported that Kyiv officials raised concerns about Witkoff's accommodating stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian officials, according to the report, believe Witkoff played a part in the failure of a previous summit in Alaska and did not accurately convey negotiation details to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Umerov told Axios he has been working with Witkoff and Jared Kushner daily over the past year, with the primary goal of ending the war and securing prosperity for Ukraine. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also dismissed The Kyiv Independent's reporting as 'fake news nonsense,' affirming that President Trump and Special Envoy Witkoff are working diligently to end the conflict.

Witkoff and Kushner recently visited Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to advance stalled peace talks. This comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to travel to New York to discuss potential ceasefire agreements with Trump, and has previously thanked Trump for sanctions legislation against Russia.