US-Led Diplomatic Efforts Seek to Restart Talks Between Ukraine and Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for new talks on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, stating that a chance to restart diplomacy exists in September-October. According to Zelensky, the United States is exploring possible steps by both countries to de-escalate the war during winter and resume peace negotiations.

Zelensky mentioned that American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited Moscow after meeting with Putin at the Kremlin for three hours. They conveyed that Russia is allegedly ready for negotiations, but Zelensky remains skeptical due to Russia's intensified attacks on the battlefield.

However, Zelensky believes that Putin may be willing to discuss ideas to advance negotiations. The main goal of Witkoff's and Kushner's visits was to unblock the diplomatic process, bringing new proposals for de-escalation before and during winter. These discussions concern energy facilities, grain supplies, oil, and gas exports.

Zelensky thinks that a new round of talks could be held at the UN General Assembly in New York or through trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia. He also called on Washington to impose additional sanctions on Russia as leverage for future negotiations.