Zelensky: Trump administration could pressure Putin into de-escalation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Axios that the United States is examining whether Ukraine and Russia could take steps to de-escalate the war over the winter months while restarting negotiations on a wider peace agreement. The report was cited by Yevropeiska Pravda based on the interview.

Zelensky said the weeks remaining before winter offer a window for diplomatic efforts.

Putin allegedly needs Trump

The Ukrainian leader noted that Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is likely counting on another harsh winter to weaken Ukraine. At the same time, however, Zelensky said he believes Putin needs Trump and does not want to alienate the US president ahead of America's midterm elections.

"I have a feeling that Putin needs Trump. He doesn't want... to irritate him," Zelensky said.

The president added that even if Putin himself does not want de-escalation, the Trump administration could pressure him into it. Asked whether Putin might want to hand Trump a diplomatic win before the US midterms, Zelensky answered "Yes."

Signal from negotiators and a possible trilateral format

In the same interview, Zelensky said he received a message from Trump's negotiators that "the Russians are ready for talks." He also said there is a possibility of a trilateral round of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Russia, though no decision on this has yet been made.