Ukraine prepares path to peace, Zelensky says decision rests with global powers

He stated this in his evening video address, Ukrinform reports.

“This week, there will also be contacts with Türkiye, there will be contacts with Gulf countries and European states that could serve as platforms for talks with Russia,” he said.

The Head of State declared that from Ukraine’s side, “everything will be prepared to the fullest to end this war.”

“It is important that our partners confirm this. And going forward, everything will depend solely on the will of world leaders — primarily the United States of America — to put pressure on Russia,” Zelensky emphasized.

According to him, new steps are needed, new pressure: sanctions, tariffs, to force the aggressor to stop the war.

He recalled that yesterday he had a corresponding conversation with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg.

“We are working very substantively with the Americans – following our meeting in Washington, we now have a new foundation for joint efforts,” Zelensky noted.

At the same time, the Head of State observed that Russia is signaling its unwillingness to engage in real negotiations: “This can be changed only through strong sanctions, strong tariffs – real pressure.”

“I have just held a meeting with the diplomatic team — the Foreign Ministry, the Office [of the President], everyone. We are preparing new contacts with the leaders of partner countries. We expect the coming weeks to be very active,” Zelensky added.

He said that Ukraine is now actively engaging with partners within the Coalition of the Willing. Work is being conducted on different levels — both military and political — with Europe and the United States.

According to him, all key institutions are involved in this work — the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President.

“It is important that everything be as practical as possible – what forces on the ground, in the air, at sea – everything must be clearly defined. And the foundation of our security is our strong Ukrainian army, Ukraine’s Defense Forces, which means long-term financing for the army and the provision of weapons – all of this will be ensured,” the President emphasized.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to international partners and underscored the importance of accelerating the pace of work on all details.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg discussed ways to influence Russia and the humanitarian track, specifically the return of all abducted Ukrainian children.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine