The United States is examining whether Ukraine and Russia can take steps to de-escalate the war during the winter while simultaneously resuming negotiations on a broader peace agreement.
Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with Axios, Ukrinform reports.
In his view, the weeks leading up to winter offer a chance for diplomacy. The President of Ukraine believes that Putin is counting on another harsh winter, while the Kremlin leader also does not want to enter into conflict with Trump ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
“I have a feeling that Putin needs Trump. He does not want to upset him,” Zelensky said.
Even if Putin does not want de-escalation, he noted, the Trump administration may force him to take such a step. Asked whether Putin might want to give Trump a diplomatic victory ahead of the U.S. elections, Zelensky said yes, according to the article.
