Russia understands only force, rearming Ukraine will push it to negotiations - Zelenskyy

According to the President, any offensive weapons provided by the United States will force the Kremlin's leader, Vladimir Putin, to come to the negotiating table, even if those weapons are not actually used.

"President Trump and all of America and Europe know that we want peace and an end to the war. But the Russians understand only force. So, only strong sanctions and only strong weapons. We are ready for action, for a demonstration of force," Zelenskyy said.

According to Zelenskyy, before Trump returned to the White House, Ukraine was supposed to receive a "powerful deterrence package," but this did not happen.

"We talked to President Trump about these things. I would really like us to be strong. A demonstration of strength forces Putin to the negotiating table. It is not a fact that we will have to use this force, but if Russia knows about its existence, it is already a strong argument for ending the war," he said.

Attempts by the US to end the war in Ukraine

Over the past few months, the United States has held a series of separate negotiations with representatives from Kyiv and Moscow. During one such meeting, Washington proposed a complete ceasefire — an initiative that Ukraine immediately supported. Russia, in turn, put forward its demands. Despite this, Kyiv and Moscow continued their dialogue.

At the beginning of June, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Trump could become a key factor in ending the war if he increased pressure on the Russian leadership.

On July 14, the US President expressed dissatisfaction with Putin’s actions, warned about the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia, and announced the delivery of additional Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine.