Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv is ready for any format of diplomatic resolution to the conflict, including direct negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The head of state announced this at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the country is awaiting the arrival of a negotiation team, but the process is being delayed. Zelensky noted that at present, Ukraine has ceased to be the top priority for the United States.
Ukraine in the 'queue of conflicts'
Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out the shift in Washington's attention to other geopolitical hotspots. According to him, the main issue for the US at the moment is the situation surrounding Iran, while Ukraine has ended up in a queue.
"We are waiting for the arrival of the negotiation team, but in my opinion, it is taking very long. Unfortunately, we are not in focus (of the US) today. Iran is issue number one for the US, and then Ukraine. Unfortunately, it turns out that we are in the queue of these wars," the president noted.
Nevertheless, Kyiv believes that it is Washington that possesses the most significant leverage capable of forcing Russia to stop its aggression. The optimal scenario for Ukraine remains the involvement of both the American side and European partners in the peace process so that EU interests are taken into account at the negotiating table.
Readiness for dialogue on equal terms
The main priority for Kyiv remains the earliest possible cessation of hostilities. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is ready to support any format that will bring peace closer, not wishing to wait until all other conflicts in the world are resolved.
"I am ready for direct negotiations with Putin to end this war, rather than waiting in a queue until everyone finishes all conflicts in the world and then it gets to us," the head of state declared.
The President added that the current situation on the battlefield, including successful strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces deep into Russian territory, creates a solid foundation for diplomacy. This allows Ukraine to conduct dialogue and end the war "on equal terms with the Russians in any format".
Air defense problem and strict deadline
Despite diplomatic initiatives, the issue of supplying Ukraine with air defense systems remains critical. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that deliveries of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles from the US continue daily and weekly. Allies are ready to finance the PURL program to ensure the stability of supplies, despite the existing shortage.
At the same time, Kyiv is striving to radically accelerate the strengthening of the air shield. Volodymyr Zelensky set a strict deadline for relevant officials due to the delay in implementing political agreements on the acquisition of new Patriot systems.
The head of state emphasized that all financial, legal, and technical steps regarding this contract must be carried out immediately, calling it a matter of personal responsibility for the officials involved.