Trump Envoys May Visit Ukraine as Diplomacy Remains Stalled; Russia Does Not Want Peace, Zelensky Says

As diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia remains stalled, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may visit Kyiv to further peace efforts. During a call on Monday, Zelensky expressed that the potential visit could be "very useful for working out decisions toward peace." These envoys, reported to be central figures in Trump's peace-making efforts, have engaged in direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Zelensky cautioned that Russia's gains are limited, resulting in significant losses, and emphasized the need for a favorable mood in Moscow for peace talks. Despite such hopes, intelligence assessments suggest that Russian President Putin remains committed to the ongoing conflict. The Economist reported that Putin is preparing to escalate the war by sending up to 400,000 additional troops to the battlefield.

Additionally, the Kremlin has reportedly viewed CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow as a sign of weakness, potentially prompting Russian authorities to contemplate nuclear escalation. While there is no confirmed evidence of Putin's intent to use nuclear weapons, Ratcliffe's visit aimed to gauge Putin's willingness to abandon further escalation and negotiate.

Subsequently, Russia tested a nuclear-capable missile, though the specific missile remains undisclosed. China, as Russia's primary ally, vehemently opposes the use of nuclear weapons in the war and has cautioned against such a move, despite continuing to support Russia's war effort through weapon-making components. As Ukraine braces for the coming winter, authorities are intensifying preparations for potential strikes on energy infrastructure, including the power grid and water supply.