Zelensky Prepares for Winter War Despite Peace Talks with US Envoys
POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is gearing up for another winter of conflict with Russia, even as he welcomes American peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared...
POLICY WIRE — Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is gearing up for another winter of conflict with Russia, even as he welcomes American peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv.
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Zelensky expressed readiness for trilateral negotiations involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. He emphasized that if the war persists into the winter, Ukraine will rely heavily on a comprehensive support package, including air defense and energy sector assistance.
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After meeting with the US officials, Zelensky stated, We are counting on support for air defence and the energy sector, as well as substantial volumes of American LNG and the ability to use them.
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The US envoys met with Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday, following a three-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day. Witkoff noted that he had heard new ideas in Moscow and anticipated a new round of US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine soon.
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Zelensky underscored that resolving the conflict hinges on the issue of disputed territory in eastern Ukraine. “The question of Donbas… I believe, is the question of this war,” he said.
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Russian forces targeted a vessel in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk on Sunday evening, according to the Russian defense ministry. The attack reportedly struck a ship carrying military cargo.
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Additionally, the Russian military hit loading facilities at the port of Izmail on Monday morning, as reported by the ministry.
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Zelensky thanked the US envoys for their visit, humorously noting that their presence provided a temporary reprieve from Russian strikes. “Today, you worked even better than the Patriot systems for our citizens here in the capital. Please come visit more often, and our people will have a chance – a chance to live a little,” he said.
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While Kyiv has not yet disclosed the outcomes of the visit or the terms for ensuring the envoys’ safety, it is likely that a request was made to Russia to halt attacks on the capital during their stay.
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In the weeks leading up to the invasion, the headlines in a Kyiv newspaper were similar to those in other cities, with some debate over whether Russia would actually attack. However, on February 24, 2022, everything changed as Russian tanks crossed the border, leading to business closures, martial law, and mass displacement.
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Local journalists documented the impact of the war, observing and questioning as their communities were torn apart. The US envoys, who have visited Moscow several times, made their first trip to Kyiv in their capacity as US negotiators.
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On the streets of Kyiv, residents expressed hope for peace. Military veteran Stepan Yermak said, The issue can be solved in the blink of an eye. We want peace. I’ve fought myself, so I know what war is like. We need peace, because there is no other way.
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Despite past disagreements on key issues, such as the future of the Donbas region, Zelensky remains optimistic about the possibility of a diplomatic solution. US envoy Steve Witkoff also expressed positive sentiments about the peace talks in both Moscow and Kyiv.
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The discussions in Kyiv covered security and economic guarantees for Ukraine, as well as supplies of air-defense missiles and a winter support package. Zelensky believes that Washington will play a crucial role in any peace deal, especially before the next US presidential election in 2028.
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A girl was killed, and three others were wounded in a drone attack on the Russia-held Black Sea port city of Sevastopol late on Sunday, confirmed by Moscow-appointed governor Mikhail Razvozhayev on his Telegram channel.
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During a break in the talks, Zelensky highlighted the strengthening of Ukraine’s position over the past year, noting that the US and Europe have recognized this progress.
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Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first official visit to the Ukrainian capital after traveling by train from Poland. This high-stakes mission follows their meeting with Putin in Moscow and represents Washington’s most direct effort to revive peace talks since the war began.
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Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
