KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he will meet with U.S. representative General Keith Kellogg on Thursday, expressing hope for productive discussions with the United States despite recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking in his nightly video address on Wednesday, Zelensky indirectly responded to Trump’s social media comments, in which the U.S. leader labeled him a “dictator”—a statement that has raised concerns in both Kyiv and across Europe.
"We have a meeting scheduled with General Kellogg, and it is crucial that our cooperation with the United States remains constructive," Zelensky stated.
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe to ensure a stable and lasting peace. “Peace is more secure when we work together. This is not just our goal but a shared objective with our allies,” he said.
Without naming Trump directly, Zelensky suggested that global leaders must choose between supporting peace or aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The future does not belong to Putin—it belongs to peace. Every global power must decide whether they stand with Putin or with peace,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to ending the war, stressing that Ukraine has sought peace since the moment Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. He also underscored the necessity of a settlement that would prevent future aggression from Moscow.
“I believe we will achieve a lasting peace—one that ensures Russia can never attack Ukraine again, that our people are freed from captivity, and that our nation can build a secure future,” Zelensky concluded.
The remarks come as Ukraine continues to rely on Western support to sustain its fight against Russian forces, with ongoing discussions in the U.S. regarding further military and financial aid.
