Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered a chilling warning as Ukraine heads toward another dangerous winter, saying Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia is preparing a “new massive attack” against the country, a revelation that comes at precisely the moment when Donald Trump is publicly demanding that Vladimir Putin “settle the war” and Zelenskyy is trying to open a new path toward diplomacy.

The warning came after Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the Ukrainian president said the two sides discussed security, preparations for winter and diplomatic opportunities.

“Our intelligence is now reporting that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

Those words immediately raise the stakes because Ukraine is entering another winter knowing that Russia has repeatedly targeted its energy infrastructure, including power, fuel and other facilities that are essential for keeping homes and businesses functioning when temperatures fall.

The warning also comes just after Zelenskyy met with Trump, who has been pushing both Moscow and Kyiv toward an agreement that could reduce the fighting. Trump had told reporters at the UN that his message to Putin was simple: “Settle the war.”

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, said his meeting with Trump was “positive and productive” and that the two leaders discussed “potential de-escalatory steps that can open up the way to diplomacy.” He also said Ukraine was ready for an energy ceasefire if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine’s energy system.

That proposal is particularly important with winter approaching. Ukraine has offered to stop attacking Russian energy facilities if Moscow agrees to stop targeting Ukrainian electricity, heating and water infrastructure. Zelenskyy said, “We are ready for energy ceasefire,” but made clear that Kyiv would not simply stop its attacks unilaterally.

The concern behind the proposal is obvious: a sustained Russian campaign against Ukraine’s energy system during winter could create enormous pressure on civilians and the country’s economy.

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Reuters reported earlier this month that Ukraine was already preparing for a harsh winter as Russian attacks caused extensive infrastructure damage, while continued strikes on ports and other facilities threatened major parts of the Ukrainian economy.

And Zelenskyy has previously warned that Russia was preparing to target Ukraine’s energy system again during the winter, saying that if Moscow caused blackouts, Ukraine would respond.

“Russia knows that if they strike – and they are preparing to strike our energy system this winter – Russia will receive the same in return,” Zelenskyy said earlier this month.

Now the warning has become even more immediate. Zelenskyy says intelligence is indicating that another major Russian attack is being prepared, while Ukraine is urgently seeking additional air-defense systems to protect its cities and infrastructure.

During his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy also discussed additional Patriot air-defense missiles, which Ukraine considers particularly important because Patriots are capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy said Trump had not yet agreed to his proposal, although discussions were continuing.

The timing creates a dramatic diplomatic crossroads. Trump is saying the war needs to end. Zelenskyy is offering an energy ceasefire.

Ukraine is asking its allies for more air defenses. And at the same time, Kyiv says Russia may be preparing another massive attack.

That means the coming weeks could become extremely important for Ukraine, because the question is not simply whether another round of peace discussions can take place, but whether diplomacy can move quickly enough to prevent another winter of attacks against the country’s energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy has said Ukraine wants the war ended before winter, while Trump has insisted that an agreement can still be reached.

But for Ukrainians preparing for another cold season under the threat of missiles and drones, the latest intelligence warning offers a frightening reminder that the war has not yet moved from the battlefield to the negotiating table.

Trump is calling for the war to end. Zelenskyy is warning that Russia may be preparing another massive strike. And Ukraine is racing against winter.