Zelensky speaks about a possible “de-escalation” of the war this winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Axios that Russia had told envoys of the Donald Trump administration that it was ready to begin negotiations on the war in Ukraine. The message was delivered after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to unblock the diplomatic process.

Zelenskyy said Washington was considering de-escalation measures ahead of or during the winter, including in the energy, electricity, grain, oil and gas sectors. Infrastructure in these sectors is frequently targeted by attacks from Russia and Ukraine.

The leader in Kyiv remains skeptical, as the intensification of Russian attacks does not indicate a clear willingness to compromise. However, he believes Vladimir Putin may avoid upsetting Donald Trump ahead of the US midterm elections.

Zelenskyy wants negotiations to resume in September and October, including on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, and says any agreement must include security guarantees and economic support for Ukraine. The conflict began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

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