Zelensky Says Kyiv and Washington Want War to End 'Before Winter'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and the United States both want the war with Russia to end before winter, following what he described as a productive meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Zelensky said the two leaders discussed potential de-escalation steps that could help open the way for renewed diplomacy, as well as the possibility of an energy moratorium between Ukraine and Russia.

Seeking a path toward de-escalation

The reference to an energy moratorium suggests discussions touched on halting strikes against energy infrastructure on both sides, a step that has been floated in past diplomatic efforts as a way to ease the humanitarian toll of the war, particularly as colder months approach and energy supply becomes more critical for civilian populations.

The timing of the meeting, held during the UN's annual high-level week, reflects the broader pattern of world leaders using their presence in New York to hold direct talks on major ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, which remains one of the most pressing items on the international agenda more than three years after Russia's full-scale invasion began.

Zelensky's comments about wanting the war to end before winter align with recurring concerns about the strain the conflict places on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the coldest months, when attacks on power and heating systems can have severe humanitarian consequences.

No further details were given on the specific de-escalation steps discussed or on any concrete commitments made during the meeting.