Winter of War: Zelenskyy Predicts Prolonged Conflict After US Envoy Talks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and US peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held talks in Kyiv, with Zelenskyy indicating the war with Russia is likely to extend into winter. Despite no immediate breakthroughs, the envoys expressed optimism for future progress after also visiting Moscow to meet with President Putin. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst increased strikes on Ukraine.
Following recent talks in Kyiv between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team, and US peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, President Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia is likely to continue into winter.
He expressed hope for agreements with American partners and anticipated support from European partners if the conflict persists through the colder months.
This is acknowledging the need to compromise from both sides, Witkoff, gave positive a feedback on the discussions, despite no immediate breakthroughs on ending the war.
Kushner emphasized that the trip provided new insights to advance forward, stating, "Hopefully this trip has come out with some new ways to advance forward. I think we've learned a lot from the trip."
This visit marked the first time Witkoff and Kushner traveled to Kyiv, and earlier, they had also visited Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They arrived in Kyiv by train, a mode of transport used by other delegations, with a platform banner at Kyiv Central Station reading "Peace Express."
Zelenskyy confirmed that preparations had been made to make Ukrainian airports operational, but Russian strikes have ruled out that option, as Ukraine's airspace has been closed since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
During the envoys' talks, both Putin and Zelenskyy pledged not to launch strikes on Moscow and Kyiv.
Concurrently, President Zelenskyy noted that more talks with British, German, and French representatives were ongoing. He expressed gratitude for the presence of European partners, emphasizing their shared立场.
In Moscow, a White House official indicated that envoys had "discussed substantive plans which will be announced in the coming weeks," while the Kremlin mentioned that the Americans "put forward a number of ideas on possible routes to a settlement."
These diplomatic efforts come amidst an increase in strikes on Ukraine this summer, with Putin repeatedly stating Moscow's intention to occupy the remaining parts of eastern Ukraine.