Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the current situation does not support expectations that the war will end before winter arrives, saying, “The war will most likely continue through the winter months.”
“Elchi” reports that Zelensky held a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who arrived in Kyiv to hold talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Noting that they have agreed to hold a new meeting with the US and Europe soon, Zelensky stated that it has not yet been decided whether the meeting will take place in Europe, the US, or Ukraine.
Zelensky stated that the negotiation process has effectively restarted following the meetings Witkoff and Kushner held with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and the discussions they held in Kyiv today; he noted that the most important unresolved issue is the territorial issue and that such matters can only be resolved at the leadership level.
Zelensky noted that they discussed security and economic guarantees for post-war Ukraine, emphasizing that security must be based on a strong Ukrainian army and that the guarantees must eliminate the possibility of a new Russian attack.
Pointing out that Russian attacks decreased during the visit of Witkoff and Kushner, Zelensky remarked: “You performed even better than the Patriot [system]. Come more often so that our people can live a little.”
Reiterating that the current situation does not support expectations that the war will end before winter, Zelensky said: “The war will most likely continue through the winter months.”
Noting that the US plans to increase missile production for Patriot air defense systems next year, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine expects to acquire additional systems. Stating that Germany is also increasing missile production under a US license and that Kyiv has the necessary agreements in this regard, Zelensky expressed his belief that Ukraine’s missile defense capabilities will be significantly strengthened next year.
Noting that Ukraine is developing its own defense systems against new types of Russian jet-powered drones, Zelensky said that 67 Ukrainian companies are working on intercepting these drones, three to five of which have yielded results, and preparations for mass production are underway.
Claiming that Russia is strengthening its troops in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky suggested that Moscow could announce a new mobilization.
Noting that Ukraine has strengthened on the battlefield over the last 10-12 months and created opportunities for diplomacy, Zelensky noted that the most significant challenges ahead are the harsh winter and the lack of funding for the army, defense industry, and humanitarian expenses.
Şayəstə