Zelensky: “We are ready to compromise, but we need air defences. It is essential that Europe is at the negotiating table.”

In a telephone interview with a group of international media outlets, including La Stampa, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed several pressing issues regarding the latest phase of the conflict, ranging from Trump’s envoys’ first visit to Kyiv to Europe’s role in the negotiations, as well as talks with the United States regarding Patriot missiles. Zelensky also mentioned the former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently recruited by Crosetto as an adviser on innovation and new military technologies, limiting himself to commenting: “I haven’t seen or heard from him for a long time. I’m told he’s abroad. I have no details: no calls, no messages.”

“We’ve had a difficult night, with many injured and killed: I offer my condolences to the families,” said Zelensky, referring to the Russian attacks which deployed 196 drones, striking multiple targets across the country. “Our air force performed very well,” the Ukrainian leader added, however, stating that around 90 per cent of the targets had been neutralised. “It’s a good result, but it’s not enough. We need missiles.”

Zelensky expressed optimism regarding the recent visit by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, whom he thanked. “It is important that they visited both capitals. It is not just a sign of political support; it shows that Ukraine is stronger on the ground and therefore also at the negotiating table,” explained Zelensky, adding that “Steve and Jared will return” and that the mission to Kyiv and Moscow “demonstrates a balanced approach and respect for both capitals”. The Ukrainian leader also expects to meet Donald Trump around the 20th, with the issue of missile defence on the agenda. “We are preparing the Freyja programme and I hope the United States will support it,” he said, whilst regarding the purchase of Patriot missiles, he commented: “We want to speed things up, but the process is ongoing and the President has given a positive response. At the moment, the priority is the winter aid package.”

As for the negotiations with Russia, Zelenskyy stated that “we are ready to compromise, but both sides must make concessions. It cannot always be Ukraine that gives in: we have already made many compromises. Our fundamental position is clear: Ukraine must prevent Russia from obtaining further resources to finance the war”. The president said: “We are moving towards a trilateral format, but I cannot reveal the details: we have agreed with the Americans to work internally first and then communicate publicly”, adding that “if everyone agrees, it could be in the autumn. The sooner the better”, and that the priority in the negotiations would be the exchange of prisoners.

In this context, Europe’s role is “essential”, given that “we are talking about the security of Ukraine and the whole of the West”. Zelensky has no doubts on this matter: “Europe must be at the table; it is not just a question of aid, money or weapons, it is a question of real security”, given that “we are talking about the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe. We will join the EU, and accession depends largely on Europe. Then there will be reconstruction, European and American security guarantees, and support from our partners’.