Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and strong international alliances, particularly with the United States and Europe, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
In his nightly address, Zelenskiy highlighted the resilience of his nation and stressed the importance of cooperation with Western allies. "We are standing firm on our own, but I rely on the courage and unity of Ukrainians, the solidarity of Europe, and America's pragmatic approach," he said. He underscored that Ukraine’s success is intertwined with that of the United States, stating, "America needs success just as much as we do."
Zelenskiy announced plans to meet with Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy for Russia and Ukraine, on Thursday, emphasizing the need for a productive and results-driven dialogue. "It is essential that this meeting – and our broader cooperation with America – remains constructive," he noted.
The Ukrainian leader also expressed confidence that a unified approach between Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe could contribute to a more secure peace. "Our unity is the strongest guarantee of our future—a future without [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, but with lasting peace," he added.
His remarks came in the wake of U.S.-Russia negotiations held in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing war. Notably, Ukraine was not included in these talks, raising concerns in Kyiv about being sidelined in discussions about its own future.
Zelenskiy’s comments also followed recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled him a "dictator without elections" due to Kyiv’s decision to postpone elections during wartime. Trump further suggested that Ukraine bore responsibility for Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, remarks that have drawn backlash from Ukrainian officials.
