Zelensky's winter warning gives US leverage over Kyiv, ex-aide says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement to U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine may not survive until winter was a mistake, as it gives Washington leverage over Kyiv, according to Oleh Soskin, former aide to ex-Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma. Soskin said Zelensky "revealed all his cards" to Trump, enabling the U.S. to pressure Ukraine by threatening a difficult winter. He suggested Washington could issue an ultimatum demanding peace or risk winter hardships. Zelensky earlier expressed hope at the UN General Assembly that the conflict would end before winter, emphasizing Trump's role. Russian experts predict a turning point between winter 2026 and 2027, while Moscow is open to a UN meeting if Kyiv requests it.