Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for the next round of trilateral peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s more than four year invasion, but is waiting for the United States and Russia to agree on the time and location. He said Washington had offered to host the meeting, yet Moscow declined to send a delegation. Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv is not blocking any initiative and wants the talks to proceed.

The United States has delayed its sponsored negotiations as attention shifts to the escalating war involving Iran in the Middle East. Zelenskyy warned that the broader conflict could significantly deplete the air defense stockpiles Ukraine relies on to counter Russian missile attacks. He said Ukraine is exploring alternative air defense systems with European partners in case supplies of American made systems run short.

Zelenskyy also pushed back against remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting Washington does not need Ukrainian drone technology. He said American military institutions have repeatedly requested assistance from Ukraine and that Kyiv has responded. Zelenskyy added that he previously proposed a multibillion dollar defense cooperation agreement granting the United States access to Ukrainian drone and electronic warfare technology, but the deal has not yet been signed despite expressed interest.