Zelenskyy says US presidential envoys are preparing further talks with Russia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says US presidential representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing for more discussions with Russia and a visit to Ukraine.

“

Moscow's and Russian President Vladimir Putin's attitude must be right, with a desire to stop the war, not wage it.

In a video address, the Ukrainian president said he had spoken with both men about their positions and briefed them on the changing situation in Ukraine, including conditions along the front line and Russian attacks. He said the talks also covered possible steps to push Russia toward a path to ending the war.

Zelenskyy said Moscow and Vladimir Putin personally needed to show a willingness to stop fighting rather than continue it. He added that Ukrainian and partner intelligence assessments, along with signals coming from Russia, still indicated that the Russian leader wanted the war to continue. At the same time, Zelenskyy said most Russians would already accept stopping the conflict along the contact line.

“

Unfortunately, all our and our partners' intelligence assessments, as well as all signals coming from Russia, show that the Russian leader personally still wants the war to continue.

The Ukrainian president said the results of the US representatives’ efforts would become clearer later. He described September as a period that could change much and called for Ukraine and its partners to work together to protect people, save lives, and achieve peace.

“

September may change a lot, and we must do everything together with our partners to protect people, protect lives, and achieve peace.