Zelensky emphasizes the importance of U.S. support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently spoke with U.S. officials Witkoff and Kushner, discussing the outcomes of recent meetings between Ukrainian and American teams in Florida. Zelensky highlighted the continuous communication between the teams as they prepare for further diplomatic actions.
He stated, “Peace comes only through strength and cooperation built on trust. We are committed to ensuring that America’s position remains strong and contributes to the peace everyone, except Russia, has been waiting for over four and a half years.”
Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s efforts to keep its partners informed about ongoing Russian shelling and air defense concerns. He reiterated that much depends on America’s stance, and expressed Ukraine’s readiness to work constructively, honestly, and towards real results.
Context
- On October 9, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement on Russian diesel supplies to the U.S. and global markets after a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky criticized the deal as an “investment in war,” characterizing the easing of sanctions without de-escalation discussions as an “obvious weakness.”
- Following this, on October 10, Trump criticized Zelensky, insinuating his reluctance to agree to peace terms and suggested that “it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president” who could negotiate effectively. Zelensky has consistently affirmed his willingness for peace without capitulation.
- On the morning of October 14, reports emerged about restrictions on Starlink’s operations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Sources indicated that these limitations severely affected logistics and drone operations. President’s advisor Sergey Beskrestnov attributed these restrictions to the current political climate. In the evening, former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov announced the restoration of Starlink operations and called for full removal of speed restrictions for Starshield.
- Additionally, the U.S. temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine but later resumed it, according to Zelensky in an NBC interview on October 18. Earlier, Washington had threatened to cease sharing intelligence if Ukraine did not stop strikes on Russian oil refineries. The president also mentioned possible negotiations with the U.S. in Brussels on Tuesday or Wednesday.
