Ukraine is grateful to the US side for unblocking negotiations with Russia. The visit by negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner confirms this, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in an audio comment.
He believes the visit by US representatives confirms that Ukraine has become stronger on the battlefield and in its negotiating position. US military officials and analysts have acknowledged that since the end of last year Ukraine has been strengthening on the battlefield.
“Russia has many losses and few gains,” he said.
With the Americans, they discussed a shortage of anti-ballistic missiles. The Americans’ visit is a chance to show the consequences of Russian strikes and to talk through in detail what air defence package Ukrainians need.
Despite everything, during the overnight attack on 8 September the Air Force “did a pretty good job”.
“They shot down few ballistic missiles — you know the reason why. But, for example, they shot down more than three dozen cruise missiles (cruise missiles. – Ed.). It is important that all those missiles were brought down. Only one was not shot down,” the president said.
Overall, there were about 180 targets during the strike, and 90% were shot down.
“A good result. Is it sufficient? No,” the head of state noted.
Ukraine expects the US to support its anti-ballistic project FREYJA. But until it is launched, Ukraine needs anti-ballistic packages from the Americans.
“They heard in detail what we need and by when we need it. I am counting on a meeting in the 20s with President Trump, raising this issue, and, God willing, there will be a result,” Zelenskyy said.
Preparations are also under way for meetings in a trilateral format with Russia.
The president added that grain and energy are painful issues for Ukraine, for Russia, and for the rest of the world: India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Asia.
“We are ready to find a compromise,” Zelenskyy added, stressing that Russia also needs to take certain steps rather than waiting for compromises from Ukraine.