Zelensky says Russia signals readiness for talks after US envoy visits Kyiv and Moscow

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that Russia showed readiness to negotiate a conflict settlement during talks with US envoys, according to Axios. The weekend visit to Moscow and Kyiv by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner marks Washington's latest bid to break a diplomatic stalemate in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Witkoff touted progress and raised the prospect of reviving three-way peace talks. Zelensky said the US envoys told him "the Russians are ready to negotiate," though he warned Russia believes winter can help break Ukraine. Talks included proposals on energy facilities, grain shipments, and oil and gas exports, aiming to de-escalate before the cold season.