Zelensky spoke about the US plan for de-escalation during the winter period

The US is exploring the possibility of agreements between Ukraine and Russia that would lower the level of military escalation before and during the upcoming winter, while restarting negotiations on a broader peace agreement. Among the discussed areas are mutual steps regarding energy infrastructure, oil and gas exports, grain supplies, and the electricity sector.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with Axios after talks in Kyiv with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The American representatives arrived in the Ukrainian capital after a three-hour meeting with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. This was Witkoff and Kushner's first visit to Ukraine since the start of Donald Trump's second presidential term.

According to Zelensky, one of the main signals that the American negotiators brought from Moscow was the assertion that the Russian side is ready to return to discussing a possible settlement. At the same time, the Ukrainian president treats this signal with caution.

Zelensky noted that Russia's actions on the battlefield and the intensification of Russian strikes do not indicate the Kremlin's readiness to compromise. At the same time, after Witkoff and Kushner's trip, Kyiv gained an understanding that Putin is at least ready to discuss proposals that could move the negotiation process forward.

What de-escalation options the US is discussing

According to Zelensky, the main goal of the American delegation's trips to Moscow and Kyiv was to “unblock” the diplomatic process, which had effectively stalled several months ago. However, the US representatives also brought new proposals.

The president did not reveal all their details, but said that the discussion concerns possible steps by both sides before the start of winter and directly during the winter period.

Among the topics, Zelensky named energy facilities, grain supplies, electricity infrastructure, as well as oil and gas exports. He stressed that the interests of Ukraine and Russia in these matters differ significantly.

Axios asked the president whether the American approach implies both the resumption of negotiations and the achievement of separate agreements that would allow Ukraine and Russia to get through the winter without significant escalation. Zelensky replied that this interpretation is very close to the essence of the talks that took place.

Kyiv and Washington consider the first task to be restoring the diplomatic process. The second is to try to make the upcoming winter different from previous ones, when Russia carried out large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Ultimately, such limited agreements should not replace negotiations to end the war, but create conditions under which the parties' positions could gradually converge.

At the same time, American officials are not yet sure that a formula acceptable to Ukraine and Russia can be found. Previous attempts to agree on a ceasefire or suspension of strikes on energy facilities have repeatedly ended without a sustainable result.

Zelensky considers the winter part of Putin's plan

The Ukrainian president believes that Moscow expects to use the cold period to intensify pressure on Kyiv. In his assessment, the Kremlin hopes to combine a new offensive with strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure to weaken the country and force it to agree to additional concessions.

“Russia really thinks that this winter can help them break us,” — Zelensky said.

The president stressed that Ukraine has already made all the compromises it considers possible. Therefore, a full-fledged diplomatic process, according to him, should include not only a cessation of hostilities, but also security guarantees for Ukraine и a package of long-term economic support.

Zelensky also pointed out that Russia has its own vulnerabilities before the winter. Ukraine is capable of causing economic damage to the RF, in particular by affecting its ability to export oil and gas.

Separately, the president mentioned grain. Serious disruptions in agricultural exports, according to him, can lead not only to economic losses, but also to an increase in world food prices and risks to the food security of other states.

The US is preparing a separate winter package for Ukraine

In parallel with discussing possible de-escalation, Washington supports the preparation of a special aid package for Ukraine for the winter period.

According to Zelensky, it should include anti-aircraft defense and energy assistance. This involves not only additional interceptor missiles, but also supplies of liquefied natural gas and other measures needed for Ukraine to get through the winter.

The preparation of such a package is proceeding independently of diplomatic proposals. Thus, Kyiv expects to simultaneously continue negotiations and strengthen its ability to repel possible Russian strikes if de-escalation cannot be agreed upon.

Kyiv wants to use September and October for negotiations

Zelensky considers the next two months a potentially important diplomatic window. Ukraine expects to use September and October to resume a full-fledged negotiation process before the cold weather sets in.

One possible venue for further contacts could be the UN General Assembly in New York in September. New talks between representatives of Ukraine and the US may take place there.

In addition, the possibility of a new trilateral round with the participation of the US, Ukraine and Russia remains. However, there is no final decision on such a meeting yet.

After completing their trip, Witkoff and Kushner are to report to Trump on the results of negotiations with Putin and Zelensky. The American side then plans to continue consultations with Ukrainian and European representatives.

Zelensky stressed that even during the diplomatic process, Ukraine must maintain strong positions on the battlefield. In his assessment, the situation of Ukrainian forces is currently better than before, despite the ongoing shortage of aerial defense systems and continuing Russian missile and drone attacks.

The president considers additional American sanctions another tool of pressure on Moscow. In his opinion, limiting Russian revenues can strengthen the US negotiating position, since the Kremlin needs financial resources to continue the war.

Based on materials from: Axios