Key facts
- Ukraine is preparing for further talks with envoys representing Donald Trump.
- President Zelensky announced Ukraine received a briefing from the U.S. on recent Moscow meetings.
- Zelensky welcomed the U.S.'s 'realistic vision' for ending the war.
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently met with Russian officials in Moscow.
- Ukraine was reportedly asked to avoid strikes on Moscow and St. Petersburg during Ratcliffe's visit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is preparing for further talks with envoys representing Donald Trump. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine received a briefing from the U.S. on recent meetings held in Moscow. He expressed gratitude for the information and welcomed what he described as the U.S.'s "realistic vision" for ending Russia's war against Ukraine, emphasizing that Russia must end its war and all necessary conditions must be created for this to happen. These remarks followed a trip to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Trump characterized Ratcliffe's visit as "semi-routine," while the Kremlin confirmed contacts with intelligence services but not directly with President Putin. A source indicated Ukraine was asked to refrain from striking Moscow and St. Petersburg during Ratcliffe's visit.