Zelensky speaks with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner as Russia, Ukraine strike energy sites

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Sunday. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Le Monde both reported the call.

The call took place as Russia and Ukraine carried out strikes on each other's energy sites.

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not describe what was discussed during the call. They do not say what, if anything, was agreed. They include no account of the call from Witkoff, Kushner or the White House.

Strikes on energy sites

According to the SCMP, Russian strikes left thousands of people without power. The SCMP also reported that Ukraine carried out its largest drone attack on St Petersburg since the start of the war in 2022.

The reports do not give specific figures or locations for the power outages. They do not describe damage or casualties from the strikes, including in St Petersburg. They do not include any response from Russian officials.

Tensions with Washington

According to the SCMP, Trump blocked new sanctions on Russia and struck a diesel deal with Moscow. The reports do not give details of either step, such as terms, dates or official confirmation.

The SCMP reported that Trump and Zelensky have clashed. The newspaper described the moves on sanctions and diesel as fuelling fears in Kyiv and Europe that the White House was steering towards Moscow.

According to the SCMP, Zelensky warned Washington before the call not to side with Moscow.

What each side says

Volodymyr Zelensky: The SCMP quoted Zelensky as saying that "a lot depends on America". According to the SCMP, he said Ukraine is ready to work constructively and honestly with the United States. The SCMP also quoted him as saying: "it is clear that there are many things that matter to all of us and that this war must be brought to an end". The reports do not say where or how Zelensky made these statements.

Donald Trump: According to a Le Monde headline, Trump accuses Zelensky of not wanting to end the war. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include Trump's own words. They do not say when or where he made the accusation.

About this report

The account draws on reports from two outlets, the SCMP and Le Monde. Le Monde's item is a short summary. The reports do not say whether either account is based on shared wire agency copy. Most details beyond the call itself come from the SCMP alone.

Analysis

The call shows that direct contact between Kyiv and Trump's envoys continues despite the friction reported by the SCMP. Without any account of what was said, its significance is unclear. One possible scenario is that the contacts help narrow differences between Kyiv and Washington. Another is that the reported disputes over sanctions and diesel deepen mistrust in Kyiv and in Europe. Continued strikes on energy infrastructure on both sides could add pressure on civilians and on diplomacy. Official confirmation of the reported US decisions, and statements from Washington and Moscow, would help clarify the direction of events.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.