Zelensky signals possible winter de-escalation in Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a possible "de-escalation" of the conflict with Russia this winter, according to a statement reported by Axios. The Kremlin has shown readiness to discuss the matter, based on assurances from US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who visited Moscow and Kyiv over the weekend. Washington has proposed ideas involving energy, grain, electricity, oil, and gas infrastructure. Both sides have intensified attacks on each other's energy and export infrastructure, with Russia targeting Ukrainian power grids and Black Sea grain routes, while Kyiv strikes Russian refineries and terminals. President Donald Trump, elected in 2024 on a promise to end the war, has yet to achieve a breakthrough.