Zelensky: Ready for Direct Talks with Putin to End the War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the capital Kyiv, following the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting. Emphasizing that their priority is to end the war, Zelensky delivered messages on arms aid from allies, the U.S. Middle East policy, and the diplomatic resolution of the war. Highlighting that there is no alternative to ending the war, Zelensky stated, “We support all formats. I am ready for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end this war. Thanks to our Armed Forces, we can feel our strength on the battlefield. We have made very significant progress. We have security guarantees that will allow us to end this war on equal terms with the Russians in any diplomatic format.”

Addressing the military aid provided by the U.S., Zelensky noted that the slowdown in the delivery of PAC-3 missiles was not due to a lack of funding, but because of the war in the Middle East, stating, “We were receiving certain amounts of PAC-3 missiles from our partners, but then this monthly volume decreased several times. This was not due to a lack of funding, but because of the war in the Middle East, and it affected different types of weapons. We have done our best to replace it with our domestic production, but we still cannot fill the gap of the PAC-3. In 2025, we had the opportunity to make agreements with American manufacturers for new Patriot systems and a suitable number of missiles. However, there is a queue extending years into the future, so this new package can only be delivered around 2030. We have started looking for alternatives and funds to reach agreements with countries where we can make immediate payments to receive the package earlier. We are in constant contact with the U.S. side. We are waiting for the negotiation team to arrive, but this is taking a very long time. Iran is currently the number one issue for the U.S. Unfortunately, we have entered this queue of wars.”

Stating that the U.S. plays a critical role in ending the war, Zelensky said, “I truly believe that the U.S. is the most powerful actor that can push Putin to end the war. That is why I have always said that the best option is for the U.S. to be involved in negotiations together with Europe. Because without Europe at the table, we cannot be sure that Europe's voice will be heard. Ukraine is a future member of the EU. It is important for us that Europe is there. This is absolutely fair; because the war is here, on the European continent.”

Reporting that Ukraine's NATO membership was also discussed at the meeting, Zelensky said, “Today, during the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting, many countries said they see Ukraine in NATO. This is absolutely true. No one said they did not want to see us there, but some remain silent on this issue. As it is said for both the EU and NATO; unanimity is required. We have unanimity for the EU. Not yet for NATO. But I believe that most countries truly understand that Ukraine being in NATO is no less necessary than NATO's need for Ukraine. I even believe that the Russians need Ukraine to be in NATO. Because in the future, Ukraine not being in NATO could be painful for them.”