Battlefield Gains Strengthen Ukraine’s Hand in Negotiations, American Side Had Come to Kyiv to Restart the Negotiating Process, — Main Statements From Zelenskyy, Witkoff and Kushner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted recent military successes by the Ukrainian defense forces, stating they are increasing the country's negotiating power in peace talks and bolstering Kyiv's position. Speaking after meetings with a U.S. delegation led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to focus on organizing trilateral meetings, with future steps contingent on Russia's willingness to engage in genuine dialogue.

He also unveiled details about a forthcoming Ukrainian weapons development, with efforts underway to expedite results. Zelenskyy further announced that the United States and European partners will intensify missile and component production for Patriot air defense systems.

During a joint press conference following the talks, Witkoff confirmed that the American side had arrived in Kyiv with the aim of restarting the negotiation process, underscoring the group's dedication to achieving the fastest possible resolution of the conflict. Witkoff expressed gratitude to Zelenskyy, praising the Ukrainian people's resilience and courage.

Kushner stated that the U.S. team is working on a comprehensive framework in close coordination with European partners, noting that President Trump has directed the creation of a new peace plan. He added that preliminary discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin had addressed the mutual conditions of both sides and the role of the international community in averting further escalation.

The visit to Kyiv came in the wake of a series of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian airports in Kyiv and Boryspil, which Zelenskyy perceived as a deliberate response to the preparations for the American delegation's arrival.