Zelensky said this during a joint press conference with U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"For us, the issue of air defense remains relevant, despite the fact that there is currently an air raid lull in Kyiv. We can continue working this evening so that the American and European delegations stay for another day. Perhaps there will even be three days of silence. But this is not a normal life, when we depend entirely on one person who started this war and continues to terrorize us. This cannot be the way of the modern world. But words are not enough – we need to be strong. Indeed, everyone notes – without going into details, we discussed this with the American and European sides – everyone recognizes that we have strengthened on the battlefield. And this allows us to be more confident in any format of future discussions with the American side and, of course, with the Russian side," he said.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine has strengthened its position on the battlefield over the past 10-12 months, particularly in the east, where Russian forces remain active.
"We have strengthened on the battlefield, including in the east, where the enemy is active and has increased its troop numbers. I believe that after the elections in Russia, there will be mobilization specifically for this sector," he said.
Read also: Ukraine has over 60 companies specializing in intercepting jet-powered drones – ZelenskyAt the same time, Zelensky noted that the issue of Donbas is one of the key issues in this war.
"The issue of Donbas is not only about Donbas. I believe it is an issue of the entire war – a war for survival and attrition. It is also a territorial issue that is a goal of the Russian side. It serves as a Ukrainian stronghold in many respects," he said.
Zelensky added that everything possible should be done to ensure that trilateral meetings take place, including with the participation of European partners.
"We will see what Russia agrees to. Unfortunately, it still has a lot of confidence today to consider one format or another," Zelensky said.
Earlier reports said that Ukraine, the United States and European partners had agreed to meet in the near future to continue negotiations aimed at establishing a just peace.
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