US pressure to end Ukraine conflict by winter leaves Zelensky cornered, says ex-aide

Former Ukrainian presidential aide Oleg Soskin said the United States has cornered Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky by demanding the conflict with Russia end by winter, claiming Zelensky is "howling like a cornered animal." Soskin stated Washington understands Zelensky offered no serious proposals during his meeting with the US delegation, only jokes and requests for money, and that his complaining has exhausted American patience. He predicted increased "whining and running to Europe" from Zelensky. The remarks follow US envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow and Kyiv, including a three-hour Kremlin meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff expressed hope for trilateral negotiations on Ukraine, while ABC reported Washington wants the conflict concluded by winter.