The head of state responded to questions from Ukrainian and foreign journalists
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference today in Kyiv with Ukrainian and foreign journalists to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of our country. The meeting with media representatives lasted over two hours.
KashtanNEWS has compiled the most relevant responses from the leader of the Ukrainian state to inquiries from the media.
About the war
The President of Ukraine once again confirmed his desire for peace to finally be established in the country, but achieving it quickly seems unlikely.
“It is impossible to end this war this week. With guarantees for Ukraine. At least, I honestly don’t know how to do this today without our meetings,” Zelensky shared his thoughts.
About the meeting with Trump
The President of Ukraine also stated that he is ready to meet with his American counterpart Donald Trump. This meeting will take place, but it is currently impossible to say exactly when.
“The time will come, the moment will come, and we will meet with President Trump. It is impossible to end the war without this. Without one side, without Ukraine, without a victim — it is impossible. And if America, I don’t believe it, but anything can happen, makes a deal with the Russians about us without us, then there will be no success in this agreement if we do not later confirm the terms of this agreement,” Zelensky said.
About the rare earth agreement
Zelensky believes that the agreement between Ukraine and the United States regarding rare earth minerals could potentially become part of larger security guarantees, but this must be clearly stated in the future document.
“I know that the U.S. considers this agreement to be part of security guarantees. And I would very much like that. But it should be written there that this is a security guarantee, and not just for us to say that we think so. Therefore, it is very important that this is truly in practical terms,” the President emphasized.
He noted that “the agreement between us and our partners should be without scandal, but rather a ‘win-win’ for our peoples, or for American business and for our business and people. I believe that this is the kind of agreement that should be signed. So that it is both protection and brings satisfaction from the partnership. Because it is no longer partnership if there is no satisfaction.”
About the $500 billion debt
According to the President, the Ukrainian side does not recognize the mythical debt of half a trillion dollars.
“$500 billion. Let’s clarify the figure. I know that we had $100. That’s a fact, I will not recognize $500, no matter what anyone says. With all due respect to our partners… This is the true situation. We are absolutely right… To be honest, I am not even ready to fix $100 billion… We should not recognize grants as debts. I negotiated with Biden and negotiated with the U.S. Congress. I am thankful to them,” Zelensky explained.
About relations with China
President Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine has never approached China for weapons but is ready to cooperate in this area.
“I believe that China is interested in Europe, in the EU in an economic sense. I also believe that in this case, China can help us in various ways to stop Putin and ensure respect for our territorial integrity,” the President suggested. He added: “We have never asked China for weapons because we know the answer. But I think it is important if China could help us in this, provided they are interested in playing a role in restoring peace. We are ready to discuss this.”
About life without U.S. assistance
The head of state also assessed the consequences if the U.S. suddenly decided to stop military assistance to Ukraine for various reasons.
“Critical consequences? Imagine that assistance has decreased by 20%... That’s why I said we expect it not to stop. Draw your conclusions,” the President noted.
At the same time, he expressed confidence in the continued support from overseas partners: “The U.S. is not just money. Political support is very important, sanction support is also very important… Therefore, I would not want us to be without this assistance — without the assistance of the United States.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky shared information regarding Ukraine's steps to secure its own weapons: “We are addressing these issues, working on air defense systems, and developing Ukrainian analogs.”
About the position
The President also stated that he is ready to leave his position for the sake of peace in Ukraine or for its admission to NATO.
“If peace for Ukraine requires it, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready. I can exchange this for NATO. If such conditions exist. Right away,” the head of state said.
Later, Zelensky assured: “I do not intend to be in power for decades. But we will not allow Putin to remain in power over Ukrainian territories. That’s why we are fighting.”
About elections
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, it is currently not the time to discuss holding elections, as Ukrainian legislation prohibits elections during wartime.
“The issue of elections was raised by the Russian Federation. Today it has also started to resonate in the U.S. I believe this is a serious wave that falls into dangerous steps… How will people vote during the war, how will soldiers on the front line vote — I cannot understand this. How will soldiers vote? They won’t… How will the voting be in Sumy and Kharkiv regions? What about Kupiansk? Where are the observers? Will they come to the front, to Sumy region, to Kramatorsk, to Pokrovsk — do they want observers?” — the President posed rhetorical questions, adding: “How can you vote when 267 drones flew in today? Well, the Russians are inadequate.”
Recall, earlier Zelensky stated that the numbers released by U.S. President Trump regarding his support rating are disinformation coming from Russia.