Zelensky explained why the trilateral meeting with Russia is falling through
The trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia has not yet taken place, as the parties cannot agree on either the location or the timing. President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Ukraine is ready to meet anywhere except Russia and Belarus, and that the delay in negotiations is due to the United States focusing on Iran. He said this in a comment to journalists.
President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that the American side initially proposed holding the meeting on its territory, and Ukraine agreed. Russia refused and suggested Turkey or Switzerland instead. At that point, the American delegation said it was not currently leaving the country.
“We are ready to support a meeting in the United States, we are ready to support a meeting in Switzerland, in Turkey, or wherever our partners are ready. Right now, the ball is in the court of the United States and Russia,” Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine does not see a deadlock in the negotiations. “A deadlock where we should all give up and relax? Let Russia surrender — we will not,” the president emphasized. According to him, the diplomatic track must go hand in hand with strengthening positions on the battlefield, since Ukraine’s weight in negotiations depends on its military strength.
Zelensky assessed the state of the Armed Forces: “Today we are much stronger, honestly, than we were over the past six months.” He also thanked the military and expressed hope that the trilateral meeting would take place “in the coming weeks.”
The president noted that European partners and some American representatives continue to raise the issue of the war, helping to keep global attention on the conflict. “Let Russia surrender — we will not,” Zelensky concluded.
It is also worth noting that President Zelensky held a strategically important meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, focusing on strengthening security cooperation.
Additionally, during a visit to the Middle East, Zelensky reached an agreement on supplying diesel fuel to Ukraine for at least one year.
He also signed an agreement with Qatar on missile defense.
