KYIV (The COW News Digital) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the war with Russia could continue through the winter, while urging Kyiv’s American and European allies to maintain their support as the conflict enters another difficult phase.
Speaking about the ongoing war and diplomatic efforts, Zelensky said several important regional issues could only be resolved through direct meetings between national leaders. He also commented on the involvement of US officials in diplomatic efforts, suggesting that their presence in negotiations could be more valuable than additional Patriot air defense systems.
Zelensky said Russia had previously announced a three-day ceasefire during the visit of an American delegation to Moscow. According to the Ukrainian president, Ukraine also agreed not to launch attacks against Moscow during the same period.
The Ukrainian leader explained that the US delegation traveled to Kyiv after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The meetings were viewed by the participants as a potentially positive step toward addressing the conflict and exploring diplomatic options.
However, despite what Zelensky described as constructive discussions, no major breakthrough was achieved.
The Ukrainian president’s latest comments indicate that Kyiv is preparing for the possibility of continued hostilities in the coming months. A war extending into the winter could place additional pressure on Ukraine’s military, infrastructure and civilian population, while also increasing demands for continued assistance from Western allies.
Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized the importance of international backing as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian forces. Support from the United States and European countries has included military assistance, air defense capabilities and other forms of aid.
At the same time, diplomatic contacts involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv have raised hopes of finding a pathway toward reducing hostilities. However, the absence of a major agreement suggests that significant differences between Russia and Ukraine remain unresolved.
Zelensky’s remarks also highlight the importance Kyiv attaches to high-level negotiations. He indicated that decisions on major regional matters require direct engagement between leaders rather than relying solely on lower-level diplomatic contacts.
The latest developments come as both sides remain under pressure to find a way forward after years of conflict. While diplomatic efforts continue, the possibility of fighting lasting into the winter underscores the uncertainty surrounding the war.
For Ukraine, maintaining military and political support from its Western partners remains a key priority. Meanwhile, continued diplomatic engagement could determine whether temporary ceasefires eventually develop into broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict
