President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered the most pressing questions from journalists, addressing the peace process, the role of the United States, sanctions against Russia, territorial issues, and security guarantees.
According to the president, the most difficult issues remain Ukraine’s territories, the situation around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, funding for reconstruction, and technical aspects of security guarantees and monitoring. Ukraine has already conveyed its position to the United States and is awaiting feedback following U.S. contacts with Russia.
Zelenskyy stressed that ending the war should be a strategic victory for the United States, not a defeat, and said Washington has the strongest leverage to stop the aggression. Ukraine supports a possible trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia if it leads to humanitarian outcomes or preparations for a leaders’ meeting.
The president called for stronger sanctions pressure on Russia, noting that Moscow does not yet feel sufficient economic constraints. He reiterated that Ukraine will not withdraw from its territories and that any decisions, including on a potential free economic zone, can be made only by the Ukrainian people and must involve reciprocal troop withdrawals.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine will repay the €90 billion in EU assistance only when Russia begins paying reparations. He added that after a ceasefire Ukraine will need partner support to maintain its armed forces until the economy recovers, that funding for 2026 is secured, flagged delays in air-defense missile deliveries, and noted signals from Qatar and Türkiye expressing readiness to help end the war.