Zelenskyy ready to speak with Putin instead of waiting in the US 'queue of wars'
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is ready for any format of a diplomatic end to the war, including direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the United States’ attention has currently shifted to other conflicts around the world, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
Why negotiations are being delayed
According to the president, Kyiv remains in constant contact with the American side regarding the involvement of negotiators, but this process is taking significantly longer than expected.
"We are waiting for the arrival of a negotiating team, but in my view, it is taking a very long time. Unfortunately, we are not the focus today (for the US). Iran is the number one issue for the US, and only then comes Ukraine. Unfortunately, it turns out that we are standing in the queue of these wars," Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, he stressed that the US holds the greatest leverage capable of forcing Russia to stop its aggression.
For Ukraine, the optimal scenario remains involving both Washington and Europe in the peace process, since without European representation at the negotiating table, the EU’s interests may not be heard.
Direct dialogue with the Kremlin without waiting in line
The president stressed that Ukraine’s top priority is the swiftest possible end to hostilities, so the country is ready to support any format that could bring peace closer.
"I am ready for direct negotiations with Putin to end this war rather than wait in line until everyone finishes all conflicts in the world and only then it reaches us," the head of state said.
He also added that the current battlefield situation, as well as successful Ukrainian strikes deep into the territory of Russia, create a strong foundation for diplomacy. This allows Ukraine to speak today and end this war "on equal terms with the Russians in any format."
Statements by Zelenskyy and Rutte
The issue of supplying Ukraine with air defense systems and ammunition remains one of the most critical.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that deliveries of key interceptor missiles PAC-2 and PAC-3 from the US to Ukraine continue on a regular basis — daily and weekly. According to him, despite shortages, allies are ready to continue financing the PURL program to ensure stable supplies.
Meanwhile, Kyiv is seeking to significantly accelerate the strengthening of its air defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a strict deadline for relevant officials due to delays in implementing already existing political agreements on the purchase of new Patriot systems.
The head of state emphasized that financial, legal, and technical steps under this contract must be prepared immediately, calling it the personal responsibility of the officials involved.
