US leader Donald Trump did not demand that Ukraine unilaterally stop strikes on Russia during his meeting with the Ukrainian president on 22 September. He wants to end the war between Ukraine and Russia, but the talks this time were specifically about an energy ceasefire.
Ukraine is ready for trilateral talks with Russia, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a briefing after the bilateral meeting. He stressed that Ukraine is not attacking, but is striking back in response.
“If we did not strike back, he would have already seized us. We are not weak,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had voiced his personal view to Trump: Putin will talk about being ready to end the war, but after the elections there will be new attacks.
“Last night there was a massive attack. We already know from intelligence that they are framing it as though, during their elections, Ukraine somehow attacked. So everything is clear,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that all sides need to “push a little harder” so that Vladimir Putin wants to end the war.