US diplomacy under fire as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian officials

United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have been seen as embarrassing and amateurish after their latest attempt to secure a ceasefire in Russia’s war in Ukraine, suggesting that European patience with the US administration of Donald Trump is running out.“Jared Kushner’s incompetence was on full display this weekend,” wrote Slate magazine. “The Witkoff-Kushner circus act is an embarrassment,” said the Daily Telegraph, while the Financial Times titled its story, “Kushner and Witkoff’s blind amateurism.”Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Russian strike hits shopping centre in central Ukrainelist 2 of 4Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreigners to fight in Ukrainelist 3 of 4Putin, Pezeshkian in India for BRICS summit clouded by Iran and Ukraine warlist 4 of 4Russian strikes kill two in Kyiv as Moscow targets capital’s fuel stationsend of listWashington has pursued negotiations without its European allies since US President Donald Trump cut off military aid to Ukraine and agreed to meet with Putin last year.Witkoff caused outrage after he openly flattered Russian President Vladimir Putin.“When we retire, we’ll have all these incredible stories and incredib...