US pushes three urgent steps in Ukraine talks, Zelensky says

The Trump administration is pushing for three urgent steps in negotiations to de-escalate the war in Ukraine and restore diplomacy with Russia, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Axios. These steps include a ceasefire on energy infrastructure, reopening the Black Sea grain corridor, and a trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia meeting. Zelensky said the proposal for a joint halt to strikes on energy infrastructure came from the US, and Ukraine is ready to agree. He also noted the US wants to revive the grain corridor and convene a trilateral meeting, with Abu Dhabi mentioned as a possible venue. Zelensky told Trump he prefers a leaders' meeting, while the US suggested technical teams first. Zelensky remains skeptical that Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to a trilateral meeting, despite Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expressing optimism after Moscow talks. Ukraine has also engaged Turkey, India, the UAE, and Egypt, which are in contact with Russia on the ceasefire and grain corridor.