Zelenskyy: Any Russian Negotiation Move Would Signal Readiness To Move Forward

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any negotiations initiated by Russia would indicate Moscow's readiness to end the conflict, though his own knowledge of Russia's intentions remains unclear, as reported by UATV English. Zelenskyy also expressed uncertainty about whether US President Donald Trump would engage Chinese President Xi Jinping in the negotiation process, but noted Xi's potential influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The United States would relay Ukraine's proposal for an energy ceasefire to Russia, he added. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine had not received any unilateral ceasefire requests. He hoped the American team would relay all messages to Putin following their meeting. Ukraine's need for additional Patriot air defense systems was emphasized, including a winter package of missiles and licenses to produce them in Ukraine.

Raytheon was noted to be prepared to manufacture Patriots in Ukraine. Zelenskyy was unsure if Ukraine would receive ballistic missile interceptors, stating he had not received a definitive answer. He argued that Putin is unable to overcome the Donbas and is attempting to divide Western countries to reduce support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy remained open to meeting Putin to expedite the war's end, but doubted Putin's willingness to participate in a trilateral meeting or end the war altogether.

He also believed Trump is committed to ending the conflict and could potentially facilitate a trilateral meeting between the US, Ukraine, and Russia to address critical issues. "Trump wants to end the war. He said he will do everything possible to end this war," Zelenskyy asserted.