Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner T‑shirts bearing the inscription "Киевский режим" (the Kyiv regime), according to journalist Sofia Sarda. The wording echoes Russian President Vladimir Putin's characterization of the Ukrainian government. The shirts were reportedly given after Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia wore a similar shirt to talks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner T‑shirts bearing the inscription 'Киевский режим' (the Kyiv regime) during their meeting in Kyiv earlier today, according to journalist Sofia Sarda. The wording mirrors Russian President Vladimir Putin's characterization of the Ukrainian government. The shirts were reportedly given after Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia wore a similar shirt to talks.
The gift marked an unexpected symbolic addition to the envoys' diplomatic mission, which The Zioneer has covered since its start. Earlier today (Sun 15:18 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that Witkoff and Kushner met Zelenskyy in Kyiv after traveling from Moscow by train — a journey necessitated by Russian strikes preventing a direct flight. The meeting followed more than three hours of talks with Putin in Moscow. In a prior dispatch on Saturday (Sep 5, 14:59 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that Putin ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, a gesture intended to facilitate the American delegation's discussions. The envoys described the first round of talks as 'very encouraging' and 'substantive and important.'
The mission represents a continued effort by the Trump administration to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. As The Zioneer reported in August, a similar three-day pause in strikes was requested during a visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. Trump has pressured Putin privately to end the war while maintaining dialogue with Zelenskyy.
No official reaction from the White House or the Kremlin to the T‑shirt gesture has been reported so far.
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