Will Moscow back down? – Zelensky reveals timeline

Ukraine intends to resume negotiations with Russia in September or October.

TodayPress TV reports, citing Axios, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States is considering ways to ease tensions between Ukraine and Russia during the winter and is seeking to resume broader peace talks.

Zelensky noted that during meetings between US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, followed by their meeting with Zelensky in Kyiv, the key message was that “the Russians are ready for talks”. However, Zelensky said he remains cautious on the matter given Russia’s ongoing attacks.

Possible confidence-building measures are reportedly expected to include agreements concerning energy infrastructure, grain supplies, electricity, as well as oil and gas.

According to Zelensky, the goal is to identify “measures that could bring the sides closer to peace”.

The Ukrainian leader believes that Putin may adopt a more flexible position. He said Putin needs Trump and that the Russian leader does not want to upset the US president ahead of the midterm elections in the United States.

At the same time, Zelensky warned that Russia plans to use the winter season to increase pressure on Ukraine.

“Russia really thinks that this winter could help break us,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president stressed that they want negotiations to resume in September or October.

“Without dialogue, we will not be able to achieve results,” Zelensky said.

Kubra Musayeva