In Ukraine today, it was claimed that the desire to "make a breakthrough before the start of winter" was emphasized in the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to end the war with Russia.
Witkoff and Kushner met with Zelenskiy in Kiev today after their visit to Moscow, the capital of Russia.
According to a source familiar with the talks who spoke to the US news portal Axios, Zelenskiy discussed Ukraine's preparations to continue the war throughout the winter, while Kushner and Witkoff stated that they wanted a breakthrough on peace before winter.
Witkoff and Kushner met with Zelenskiy and his senior advisers twice, and after the second meeting, they stated that they were "encouraged by the substantive talks" and looked forward to making further progress.
A second source who attended the talks said the meetings "went well" and that Kushner and Witkoff said they wanted to work with the parties on a "renewed" peace proposal.
"If there is a follow-up by all parties involved, things could move forward in a good direction," the source told Axios. He evaluated as follows.
Witkoff and Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the capital of Russia, yesterday.
Zelenskiy: The war will probably continue in the winter months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the current situation is not enough to create expectations that the war will end before the winter begins and said, "The war will probably continue during the winter months." he said.
Zelenskiy held a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump's special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who came to Kiev to hold talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
Stating that they agreed to hold a new meeting with the USA and Europe soon, Zelenskiy said that it is not yet clear whether the meeting will be held in Europe, the USA or again in Ukraine.
Stating that Witkoff and Kushner actually restarted the negotiation process after their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and their contacts in Kiev today, Zelenskiy noted that the most important unresolved issue is the land issue and that such issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders.
Zelenskiy said that they discussed security and economic guarantees for Ukraine after the war, that the strong Ukrainian army should be the basis of security and that the guarantees should eliminate the possibility of a new Russian attack.
Reminding that Russia's attacks decreased during Witkoff and Kushner's visit, Zelenskiy said, "You worked even better than the Patriot. Come more often, so our people can live a little." he said.
Zelenskiy stated that the current situation is not enough to create an expectation that the war will end before the winter begins, and said, "The war will probably continue during the winter months." he said.
Pointing out that the USA will increase missile production for Patriot air defense systems next year, Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine expects to receive additional systems.
Stating that Germany has also increased its missile production under the US license and that Kiev has the necessary agreements in this regard, Zelenskiy expressed his belief that Ukraine's missile defense will be significantly strengthened next year.
Stating that Ukraine has also developed its own defense systems against new types of Russian jet drones, Zelenskiy said that 67 Ukrainian companies are working to prevent these drones, 3 to 5 of them have yielded results and are preparing for mass production.
Arguing that Russia has increased its forces in the east of Ukraine, Zelenskiy suggested that Moscow could announce a new mobilization.
Commenting that Ukraine has become stronger on the battlefield in the last 10-12 months and that this offers an opportunity for diplomacy, Zelenskiy noted that the most important challenges ahead are the heavy winter and the deficit in the financing of the army, defense industry and humanitarian expenses.
Witkoff is satisfied with the talks
Trump's special representative Witkoff said he was satisfied with the meetings in both Moscow and Kiev.
Witkoff pointed out the importance of restarting the talks, stating that Trump personally asked him and Kushner to go to Kiev to restart the negotiation process.
USA wants to return to tripartite negotiation format
Kushner said, "The United States wants to return to the tripartite negotiation format with Ukraine and Russia. This format could be the next step in long-term peace talks." he said.
Stating that Trump wants to reach the framework talks that will begin after the end of the conflicts, Kushner shared the information that Trump gave him and Witkoff the task of creating a "peace package" that will not only stop the war but also ensure long-term peace.
Kushner also described the meeting with Putin yesterday as "constructive".
