#De Escalation

A Ukrainian source in the government stated that Kyiv has been ready for de-escalation from the very beginning, but the key question is Russia’s readiness. Trump’s statement on an energy ceasefire may be an attempt to put both sides in a fait accompli situation.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow on 25 August without announcement aboard a C-17A aircraft. Peskov called the visit 'services contacts,' but media report a warning on mobilization and a request for a pause in strikes on 24–26 August.