Zelensky: Putin may hand Trump a diplomatic win before U.S. elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin may offer U.S. President Donald Trump a diplomatic win by easing tensions in the Ukraine war before November's midterm elections. In an interview with Axios, Zelensky said Putin needs Trump and won't provoke him, potentially yielding to U.S. pressure for de-escalation. He noted Washington seeks winter tension reduction and peace negotiation resumption, with talks possibly restarting in September and October. Zelensky met Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv after their Moscow visit. Russia has historically bombed Ukrainian energy infrastructure in winter to pressure concessions, and a de-escalation deal could benefit Trump amid the prolonged Iran war.