President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of his planned meeting with US President Donald Trump said that Kyiv will not recognize any territorial concessions or Russian control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
Speaking during an online press conference, Zelensky also said he will visit Canada on his way to the US.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“We are currently on a plane to Florida, USA. On the way, we will stop in Canada,” Zelensky said during an online press conference with journalists.
Zelensky confirmed a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“He and I plan to communicate online with European leaders, discuss all issues, share details of the documents I will review with the US President, and raise all sensitive matters,” he added.
Commenting on the planned meeting in Florida, Zelensky clarified that it is likely to take place with media present. While he said he does not yet know whether media access will be at the beginning or the end of the meeting, he confirmed that it will be public.
Zelensky added that Ukraine’s negotiating team for the meeting with Trump includes National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev, Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, Presidential Office adviser Oleksandr Bevz, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia.
According to Zelensky, the two sides are first and foremost working on a roadmap for Ukraine’s future prosperity.
Other Topics of Interest
The holiday season has always been a good time to take stock. When it comes to the Trump administration, I can say with confidence that it is an enemy of Ukraine.
“We have clear goals and strategies for macroeconomic stability. We estimate that reconstruction will require about $700-800 billion. There is also a strategy involving a larger sum, but I don’t want to go into detail yet,” Zelensky said.
He stressed the importance of developing a shared vision with the US on the creation of several financial mechanisms.
“There will be a fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, a sovereign investment platform for Ukraine, a fund for development, and a fund for growth and opportunity,” Zelensky said.
“We also plan to establish a US-Ukrainian investment fund for reconstruction. In addition, the working groups are discussing a human capital fund and support for the return of Ukrainians,” he added.
Zelensky indicated that leader-level talks would serve as confirmation of progress in negotiations between the Ukrainian and US sides.
He also underscored the importance of ongoing contact between the Ukrainian and US negotiating teams, particularly given that US representatives have held talks with Russia, including in Moscow.
Ukraine, he said, was interested in ensuring that US officials gained a deeper understanding of Kyiv’s position:
“Our meetings helped our partners understand many details – especially security guarantees, their legal framework, and the risks of agreements with Russia that may no longer work. This also concerns the operation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other territorially sensitive issues.”
Answering questions about Ukraine’s “red lines” in negotiations and potential compromises, Zelensky emphasized that certain issues are non-negotiable.
“There are definitely red lines for the Ukrainian people today… These include our territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Legally, we will not recognize anything under any conditions,” he said.
He added that the government would consult with the Ukrainian people before making any major decisions, stating, “The people of Ukraine are the main ones.”
Security guarantees remain a top priority.
“Russia has launched a massive attack on Ukraine. On the path to peace negotiations, their response is clear. The most important thing is that any steps we take must be backed by strong security guarantees to ensure we are protected,” the president said.
“If we raise the issue and the American side brings up a referendum or elections, that certainly cannot happen under the conditions we face today,” he added.
Zelensky also stressed the importance of continued European support for Ukraine:
“We do not have enough additional air defense systems, and it’s clear to everyone. They have received all the details from us. We need systematic deliveries of systems and missiles – more missiles – because Russia is attacking with increasing numbers of drones and rockets.”
Zelensky again stressed that for holding elections and a referendum, security conditions must first be ensured.
He said that, as of this morning, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service had reported that Russia had already tasked its agencies with ensuring that Ukrainians living in Russia, as well as those in territories occupied by Moscow, would be able to vote.
“Why are they doing this? To later claim that a large number of people live there and have the right to vote, and then declare Ukraine’s elections illegitimate,” Zelensky told journalists.
He added that Russia is not concerned with the method it uses to convey claims about the so-called illegitimacy of Ukraine’s government.
“Russia itself is illegitimate, and that is why it spreads claims about the illegitimacy of Ukraine’s authorities,” Zelensky said.
In addition, Zelensky stressed that in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking peace, while Moscow is demonstrating its desire to continue the fighting.
“If the whole world – Europe and America – stands with us, we will stop Putin together. Because we will all want the same thing: an end to the war – a normal, lasting peace that is safe for the entire world,” he said.
“If someone in the United States or Europe stands on Russia’s side, it means the war will continue. There are no other options,” Zelensky added.
The president warned that if the war continues, it will pose a risk to all countries, saying the Kremlin “will not stop, regardless of any agreements or eloquent statements. They will not stop in Ukraine.”
When asked about China’s position on the US peace plan and whether Beijing is ready to join the peace process, Zelensky said he does not see such readiness.
“We have always wanted China – and it can, it is capable – to put pressure on Russia to stop this war. Unfortunately, China has not done so,” the president said.
Instead, he noted, China has increased its imports of Russian energy resources.
“Today, China is the largest importer, and we understand where this money goes. Russia spends the proceeds from its energy exports on the war. This, unfortunately, is China’s role today,” Zelensky added.