Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that Ukraine has sent a proposal to U.S. negotiators aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking on August 11, Zelensky stated, "We have submitted proposals to the U.S. to help strengthen our defense capabilities, particularly in air defense, while also increasing pressure on Russia to prepare for the end of the war rather than prolonging it." He did not disclose specific details about the proposals.

This announcement comes as both Russia and Ukraine indicated that U.S. negotiators are expected to visit both countries soon. The last visit by U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow was in January, while they have yet to visit Kyiv.

In a related development, the U.S. is preparing options to increase pressure on Russia. The U.S. Senate has passed a sanctions bill proposed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham targeting Russia. This bill, which is awaiting approval in the House of Representatives, mandates sanctions not only against Russian leadership and its energy sector but also against organizations and individuals supporting Russia's defense industry, as well as entities accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.

The legislation includes sanctions against Russia's largest banks, investment restrictions, and measures targeting what is referred to as Russia's "shadow fleet." It also allows the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported directly from Russia, particularly targeting energy products like oil and gas.

Ukraine has consistently called for a ceasefire after nearly four and a half years of conflict. However, Moscow has rejected any ideas of a ceasefire or "freezing" the conflict. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has made it clear that Russia will not accept any freeze without addressing the root causes of the conflict. Russia insists that any resolution must include Ukraine's complete concession of four regions that Moscow claims to have annexed (Kherson, Zaporizhia, Lugansk, Donetsk) along with Crimea, as well as addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.

Furthermore, President Zelensky indicated that Ukrainian intelligence has evidence suggesting that Russia may conduct a new mobilization this fall to bolster its fighting forces. "They are preparing for a mobilization in the fall, right after the parliamentary elections," he stated. According to Zelensky, Russia plans to quickly mobilize several hundred thousand additional personnel by the end of this year, with a similar number expected next year. He believes this mobilization will supplement recruitment through contracts with military personnel. Russian officials have repeatedly denied plans for a new mobilization. Russia conducted a partial mobilization in 2022 after the conflict escalated. Last month, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia does not need a new mobilization as 200,000 volunteers have signed contracts in the first half of this year.