Zelensky to Axios: U.S. exploring Russia-Ukraine winter de-escalation steps

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Axios that the United States is investigating potential Russia-Ukraine winter de-escalation measures during ongoing peace negotiations. Zelensky suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be counting on a harsh winter to weaken Ukraine, but noted that Putin is wary of antagonizing the U.S. president ahead of the midterm elections.

Zelensky met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv, who relayed to him that Russians are open to negotiations. While skeptical of Russia's willingness to compromise, Zelensky believes Putin is interested in discussing ideas to restart diplomatic talks. Potential de-escalation steps being considered include energy facilities, grain shipments, electricity facilities, and oil and gas exports.

Both sides have differing interests, but Zelensky argues that the goal is to prevent a major escalation during the winter. The U.S. envoys also proposed a separate winter package for Ukraine, including air defense and energy assistance. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine has exhausted its compromises and that any diplomatic process would require security guarantees and economic support.

He suggested that September and October would be optimal for restarting diplomatic talks, potentially through a UN General Assembly session or a trilateral U.S.-Ukraine-Russia meeting. Despite Ukraine's strong military position, Zelensky called for continued U.S. sanctions on Russia as leverage in negotiations, emphasizing that Putin needs money to fund the war.