Talks between US special envoys and Ukrainian leadership were substantive and productive, Volodymyr Zelensky said following his meeting with Trump's special representatives, reports infohub.kz.
The visit of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv concluded the day before, as they arrived in the Ukrainian capital after a trip to Moscow as part of efforts to resolve the conflict.
According to Zelensky, three rounds of negotiations took place during the day. He called them substantive and thanked the negotiators.
Representatives of France, Britain, and Germany were also present at the meeting. Zelensky noted the importance of partners' participation in the further process.
"You sent even better than Patriot systems for our citizens who are in the capital. Thank you, come more often. And we will have the opportunity for our people to live a little," Zelensky joked.
Nevertheless, he noted that the issue of air defense remains extremely important for Ukraine.
During the talks, the parties paid sufficient attention to challenges that may arise in the coming months.
Zelensky noted that there is a possibility of continued fighting in winter.
"We very much hope that we will have the opportunity to agree with American partners and hope for the support of European partners if the war continues in winter, and so far it looks like that," he said.
He also stressed that the Ukrainian and American teams positively assess the possibilities for further work. If the war continues, Ukraine expects to receive a winter support package from partners.
"Also, if the war continues through winter, we very much count on the winter package, which I discussed in full detail today with Steve and Jared, with our European partners," Zelensky said after the meeting.
The Ukrainian president stressed that he hopes for support on air defense.
During the talks, the parties discussed security guarantees and Ukraine's future after the war ends.
Zelensky emphasized that it is not only about the military and security component. Economic guarantees, recovery, and rebuilding of Ukraine are also being discussed separately.
"We are talking not only about security guarantees, but about economic guarantees for Ukraine to recover, to rebuild," the president noted.
The situation was also assessed by representatives of the American president after the meeting. Jared Kushner was asked whether he considers it possible to end the war by winter and whether Putin is ready for that.
The American representative noted that in the case of any agreement, it is impossible to have full confidence in the outcome until a deal is reached.
The negotiator stressed that without meetings and dialogue, no progress can be achieved.
He stated that the American side is making significant efforts behind the scenes to create proper conditions for reaching agreements. Kushner acknowledged that this is a very difficult task, but assured that the US will continue to work on it.
Regarding Putin's position, Kushner noted that the Russian president has certain goals that he states publicly. At the same time, in his opinion, after resolving the issue of war, Russia will be able to realize its other aspirations as well.
The American representative stressed that the US will continue constructive dialogue to find a path to agreements.