Zelensky: September could bring significant changes to the war's course
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are preparing for visits to Russia and Ukraine, expressing hope that September could bring changes regarding the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address that he recently spoke with US President Donald Trump's representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to him, both are preparing for a meeting and corresponding communication with the Russian side, as well as planning a visit to Ukraine. During the call, they discussed what could be done to push Russia toward ending the war.
Zelensky added that intelligence from both Ukraine and its partners indicates that the Russian leader personally still wants to continue the war, even though the vast majority of Russian society would reportedly agree to stopping hostilities along the current line of contact.
Upcoming talks and new steps
The president expressed hope that September could bring significant change, stressing the need to work together with partners to protect people, protect lives, and achieve peace. He said he would wait to see what the American president's representatives manage to accomplish.
Zelensky also said that on August 31 he received a report from the commander-in-chief and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) regarding Ukraine's long-range strike operations conducted in response to Russian shelling. He noted that new steps in this direction are being prepared, without giving further details.
The president reiterated that it is important not only to reach agreements with partners on support for Ukraine, but to actually implement them. He mentioned discussing in detail with Ukraine's prime minister and diplomatic team the measures planned for September, adding that much has been scheduled.
Earlier, Zelensky had already reported a "constructive" phone call with Witkoff and Kushner, which touched on their possible visit to Ukraine among other topics.
