RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: Zelensky says the U.S. is exploring a winter de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia while trying to restart broader peace talks. After Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow and Zelensky in Kyiv, Zelensky said the message was that “the Russians are ready to negotiate,” though he remains skeptical given Russia’s continued attacks. Possible confidence-building steps could involve energy infrastructure, grain shipments, electricity, and oil and gas. Zelensky said the aim is to find measures “which can bring [the] sides closer to the peace.” He believes Putin may be more flexible because “Putin needs Trump” and “doesn’t want … to upset him” before the U.S. midt

Zelensky says the U.S. is exploring a winter de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia while trying to restart broader peace talks.

After Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow and Zelensky in Kyiv, Zelensky said the message was that “the Russians are ready to negotiate,” though he remains skeptical given Russia’s continued attacks.

Possible confidence-building steps could involve energy infrastructure, grain shipments, electricity, and oil and gas. Zelensky said the aim is to find measures “which can bring [the] sides closer to the peace.”

He believes Putin may be more flexible because “Putin needs Trump” and “doesn’t want … to upset him” before the U.S. midterms.

At the same time, Zelensky warned that Russia sees winter as a chance to pressure Ukraine: “Russia really thinks that this winter can help them to break us.”

Kyiv wants talks restarted in September or October. “Without dialogue … we will not have [a] result,” Zelensky said.

Source: Axios

— @clashreport Sep 7, 2026