Kyiv expecting pause in peace talks to end and sky protection to be strengthened - Zelenskyy

The issues of strengthening air defense and intensifying diplomatic efforts were the main topics of a meeting held by Volodymyr Zelenskyy with representatives of the Hudson Institute, a US think tank. It was reported by the President’s press service. 

"Against the backdrop of such strikes, it is particularly important to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense," the head of state said during a discussion of the consequences of the latest russian attacks.

He also added that Ukraine is grateful to the United States and all concerned Americans for the support the country has received throughout the years of full-scale russian aggression.

The parties paid special attention to cooperation with the US Congress and the need to involve American partners in the negotiation process. According to the President, Washington’s active role is key to achieving a just peace, so Kyiv is counting on an end to the current pause in diplomatic efforts. According to the Office of the President, the parties also agreed on further steps regarding the international advocacy of Ukrainian interests.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on March 14, the press secretary of the russian dictator, Dmitry Peskov, stated that moscow opposes European countries acting as mediators in peace negotiations.

As a reminder, on May 7, the russian dictator’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, said that russia refuses to continue trilateral talks until Ukraine withdraws its troops from the territories of the Donbas under its control.