What US envoys told Zelenskyy about Russia's willingness to negotiate

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a message via United States presidential envoys stating that Russia is prepared to enter negotiations, following high-level diplomatic meetings in Kyiv and Moscow. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to the Ukrainian capital on 6 September after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Despite the diplomatic outreach, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding Moscow's genuine willingness to compromise, pointing to continued Russian battlefield aggression and intensified airstrikes. The Kyiv discussions also involved national security representatives from the E3 nations—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Talks focused on unblocking diplomatic channels and examining potential de-escalation measures before and during the upcoming winter, specifically regarding energy infrastructure, electricity grids, grain shipments, and oil and gas exports. Winter Support and Infrastructure Protection Ukraine is coordinating closely with Western partners on a comprehensive winter support package designed to protect critical infrastructure from anticipated Russian attacks. The initiative centers on bolstering Ukrainian air defense capabilities, enhancing technological cooperation, and securing liquefied natural gas supplies. Zelenskyy emphasized that while diplomatic engagement is progressing, Ukraine must maintain military strength and economic leverage. He noted that Ukraine aims to utilize September and October to reignite the diplomatic process before severe winter conditions set in.