# Zelensky Reports Russia's Willingness to Negotiate Amid Ukraine Conflict

*Ukraine's President Zelensky says Russia shows readiness to negotiate towards a conflict settlement at talks with US envoys.*

September 8, 2026 · World

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has shown readiness to negotiate towards a conflict settlement, following talks with US envoys. The weekend visit to Moscow and Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner marks Washington's latest attempt to break the diplomatic stalemate in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. This conflict began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Witkoff highlighted progress in the meetings and raised the prospect of reviving three-way peace talks to end the war. Zelensky told US news outlet Axios that the United States is pushing to de-escalate the conflict ahead of the long winter. Russia has struck Ukraine's energy grid each winter since the invasion in February 2022, cutting power and heating to millions in temperatures as low as -20C.

According to Zelensky, the US envoys informed him that 'the Russians are ready to negotiate'. He also mentioned that Russia believes this winter can help them 'break' Ukraine, but the administration of US President Donald Trump could pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate. Zelensky noted that Putin 'doesn't want' to 'upset' his US counterpart.

The weekend talks included US proposals around energy facilities, grain shipments, and oil and gas exports, though Zelensky declined to give further details. The Ukrainian leader stated that the US approach aims to resume negotiations between the warring countries and ensure the coming winter is different from previous ones. The goal is to make progress before or during winter to 'bring (the) sides closer to the peace', according to Zelensky.

## FAQs

1. **What was the purpose of the US envoys' visit to Moscow and Kyiv?** The purpose was to break the diplomatic stalemate in the conflict and push for a peace settlement.

2. **What did Zelensky say about Russia's readiness to negotiate?** Zelensky stated that the US envoys told him that 'the Russians are ready to negotiate' towards a conflict settlement.

3. **What are the US proposals discussed in the talks?** The US proposals included discussions around energy facilities, grain shipments, and oil and gas exports.

4. **What is the goal of the US approach according to Zelensky?** The goal is to resume negotiations between the warring countries and ensure the coming winter is different from previous ones, aiming to 'bring (the) sides closer to the peace'.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/zelensky-russia-ready-negotiate-ukraine-conflict