Zelensky: We Have a Positive Dialogue with President Trump on Patriot Systems
Zelensky: We Have a Positive Dialogue with President Trump on Patriot Systems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it could be possible to hold negotiations at the leadership level with Russia after the agreements reached during the negotiations held in Istanbul on June 2, hosted by Türkiye, are implemented.
Zelensky, speaking at a press conference in Rome during the Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by Italy, said that many world leaders and high-level officials participated in the "Coalition of Volunteers" meeting.
He noted that they discussed issues such as preventing the ongoing Russian attacks on his country.
Zelensky stated that they also addressed the issue of strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities, noting that Germany and Norway are ready to purchase a total of three Patriot air defense systems from the United States for Ukraine.
He mentioned that he recently had a positive and productive phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We have a positive dialogue with President Trump on the issue of Patriot systems," said Zelensky, adding that following a very constructive and positive conversation with Trump, it is important that they receive all the necessary political signals to resume aid and that their teams are working to ensure everything reaches Ukraine in a timely manner.
Zelensky said, "Our intelligence and that of our allies have all the information indicating that Russia intends to prolong this war. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is rejecting all opportunities for a real ceasefire. He does not want a genuine peace."
Reiterating his call for increased pressure through sanctions on Russia, Zelensky said, "Ukraine’s defense must be strong enough. Sanctions against Russia must also be truly strong."
In his speech, Zelensky claimed that Russia could spend $300 billion next year on the war.
He stated that, in order to end the war, a leaders' level meeting should be held between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, and added that they had received offers to host such a meeting from Türkiye, Austria, Switzerland, and the Vatican.
Zelensky emphasized that before any negotiations with Russia at the leadership level can be held, all prisoner exchanges and transfers agreed upon during the June 2 Istanbul talks must first be completed.
"We must complete the swaps agreed upon during the second meeting held in Istanbul. I believe the necessary steps will be implemented in the near future. Only after that can the teams discuss preparations for a leaders' level meeting," he said.
In response to a question about the emerging claims regarding Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov potentially being appointed as ambassador to the U.S., Zelensky said:
"If I decide that Ukraine’s representation in the United States — that is, having our key ambassador be Defense Minister Rustem Umerov — is the right step, then this will certainly lead to significant changes in the Ukrainian government, which is understandable."
Zelensky also stated that the decision to replace Ukraine’s current Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, has definitely been made.