Zelensky Says Meaningful Peace Possible Only if Ukraine’s Interests Are Central to U.S. Talks

According to Zelensky, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Deputy Chief of Staff Andriy Hnatov and the full Ukrainian delegation will continue direct talks in the United States in the coming days. He noted that these engagements—whether in-person or via secure phone channels—may soon yield “important developments” about the direction of the diplomatic process. All partners involved, he stressed, remain in constant communication with each other and with Kyiv.

Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine’s position was taken seriously during recent meetings held in Geneva and Florida, calling this recognition a critical step in shaping credible peace prospects. He reiterated that any agreement capable of ending the conflict must incorporate guarantees that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security needs.

The president added that the international community now senses a realistic opportunity to halt the war, but warned that sustained diplomatic momentum must be accompanied by increased pressure on Russia. “The outcome depends on this combination—constructive diplomacy and pressure on the aggressor,” Zelensky said, arguing that only these dual measures can open a viable path toward peace.

As Kyiv and Washington prepare for further talks, Zelensky’s comments underscore Ukraine’s insistence that no settlement can bypass its core demands—an approach that may shape the direction and credibility of negotiations in the weeks ahead.