Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that only the United States has the necessary influence to compel Russia to end the war, as representatives from Moscow and Kyiv are expected to hold a new round of talks in Miami.
“I believe that the US and President Trump have this power. I don’t think we should look for alternatives other than the United States,” Zelensky said, responding to questions from journalists after French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Europe should begin direct dialogue with Russia if Washington’s efforts fail.
Zelensky also announced that Ukraine is ready to support a US-led initiative for trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, if such a format could help facilitate prisoner exchanges and pave the way for a summit-level meeting.
“The United States is proposing a trilateral meeting of national security advisors. If this meeting produces concrete results, such as prisoner exchanges or an agreement on a leaders’ summit, we will support it,” the Ukrainian president said, while adding that he remains skeptical about whether such a meeting can bring real breakthroughs.
He also emphasized that Washington must increase pressure on Moscow. “The US must make it clear that if there is no diplomatic solution, there will be maximum pressure,” Zelensky stated, mentioning options such as increasing military aid to Ukraine or expanding sanctions on the Russian economy.
Finally, Zelensky noted that a possible compromise could involve freezing the fighting along the current front lines, but he stressed that Ukraine’s control over the parts of Donbas that remain unoccupied is a non-negotiable principle for Kyiv. Regarding the idea of creating a free economic zone in Donbas, he said that such a decision would belong to the Ukrainian people.
