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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country will not give up the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, reiterating that Ukraine’s position on territorial integrity remains unchanged.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy evaluated recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and his visit to Washington, emphasizing that any peace settlement must involve compelling Russia into a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russian energy exports, asserting that such measures are necessary to force Moscow to halt its aggression. He said the U.S. demanded the “complete removal” of Russian natural gas from Europe, adding that “Ukraine will definitely help” and that American energy companies are interested in entering the Ukrainian market.
The president noted that Kyiv continues to discuss several energy projects with Washington, including the potential construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Odesa. He said the project would require consultations with Türkiye before it could proceed.
Zelenskyy addressed reports of an upcoming U.S.-Russia meeting in Budapest aimed at peace talks, saying, “Budapest is not the best venue for such a meeting. Of course, if it can bring peace, then it does not matter where it takes place.” He suggested that other locations such as Türkiye, Switzerland, Austria, the Vatican, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar would be “valuable options.”
During a conversation with journalists published earlier Monday by Ukrainian media outlets, Zelenskyy said he is ready to take part in any format of negotiations that could bring an end to the over three-and-a-half-year war, including one in Budapest, which he believes is not “the best venue” for the talks.
“If I am invited to Budapest, if it is an invitation in the format where the three of us meet, or, as it is called, shuttle diplomacy—President Trump meets with Putin and President Trump meets with me—then in one format or another, we will agree,” he added.
Criticizing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Zelenskyy said, “A prime minister who blocks Ukraine everywhere cannot do anything positive or even balanced for Ukrainians.” He warned against any negotiations that put pressure solely on Ukraine, adding, “We will not allow the Russians to win.”
Reaffirming his country’s stance, Zelenskyy said, “The Russians’ position has not changed. They want us to withdraw from Donbas—from Donetsk and Luhansk entirely. During my visit to Washington last week, I stated clearly that Ukraine’s position in this context has not changed.”
He said that President Vladimir Putin’s interest in Donbas was not about reconstruction, adding, “He does not care about Donbas. He will not build anything there.”
Zelenskyy expressed his determination to end the war responsibly, stating, “We are approaching the possible end of the war. This does not mean it will definitely end, but President Trump wants to finish Russia’s war against Ukraine on the momentum of his Middle East successes.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that his country and the U.S. are preparing a contract for the supply of 25 Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv.
In remarks to journalists published by Ukrainian media, including Ukrinform, Zelenskyy said Kyiv held discussions with defense companies concerning air defense, in coordination with U.S. agencies.
“We are preparing a contract for 25 Patriot systems. I believe this is a very good story; not easy, but long-term,” Zelenskyy said, noting that the request came particularly from Ukraine's air force.
He explained that due to production queues and existing contracts with other countries, Kyiv would receive the systems gradually. “The White House can adjust the queue if there is political will,” he added, expressing optimism about receiving priority.
Zelenskyy said U.S.-owned Patriot systems stationed in Europe could be made available to Ukraine “if everyone works together and there is goodwill.”
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