Zelensky sees winter window for US pressure on Putin to de-escalate

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the US is exploring whether Ukraine and Russia can take steps to de-escalate the war during the winter while resuming talks on a broader peace agreement. Zelensky believes the weeks before winter offer a window for diplomatic efforts. He said Putin "needs Trump" and does not want to irritate the US president ahead of midterm elections, adding that the Trump administration could pressure Putin into de-escalation even if he is unwilling. Zelensky confirmed he received a message from Trump's negotiators that "Russians are ready for negotiations." He also said a trilateral round of talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia is possible, though no decision has been made yet.