President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine requires a real, long-term peace and not “just another pause” between Russian invasions.
Earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for reaching a direct peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine—rather than a simple ceasefire deal—already sparking reactions in Kyiv.
“Security must be guaranteed reliably and in the long term, with the participation of both Europe and the United States,” the Ukrainian president posted on X after a phone call with European leaders.
He also emphasized that territorial issues can only be resolved with Ukraine’s involvement.
Read below the full text of his statement:
“Today, after my conversation with President Trump, we further coordinated our positions with European leaders. The positions are clear. A genuine peace must be achieved—one that is lasting and not just another pause between Russian invasions.
The killings must stop as soon as possible, the shelling must end—on the battlefield, in the skies, and against our port infrastructure. All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be freed, and the children abducted by Russia must be returned. Thousands of our people remain in captivity—they must all come home. Pressure on Russia must be maintained as long as aggression and occupation continue.
In my conversation with President Trump, I stressed that sanctions must be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting, or if Russia tries to avoid a genuine end to the war. Sanctions are an effective tool. Security must be guaranteed reliably and for the long term, with the involvement of both Europe and the United States. All issues that are important for Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine’s participation, and no issue—especially territorial ones—can be decided without it.
I thank our partners for their support. Today, there is an important statement from European leaders that strengthens our position. We continue working together—Europeans, Americans, and everyone in the world who seeks peace and stability in international relations.”
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