Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that international partners increasingly acknowledge Ukraine's diplomatic efforts, emphasizing that Russia must show genuine intent to end the war or face increased pressure. Speaking in Kyiv to journalists, Zelenskyy said discussions in Jeddah had reinforced Ukraine's position, making it a shared stance among allies.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy welcomed a proposal from US President Donald Trump for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, saying Ukraine supports it as a step toward a sustainable peace plan. He stated that if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, it must demonstrate its willingness to end the war, or it will show that it wants to continue. He asserted that if Moscow rejects the proposal, it would indicate not just opposition to Kyiv but also direct disagreement with Trump.

Zelenskyy claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is finding a position to avoid ending the war. Addressing security concerns, Zelenskyy dismissed Russian reports of encircled Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, calling them 'lies from Putin.' He explained that Russian forces were attempting to surround Ukrainian troops within Ukraine, but Kyiv's military command was aware of the situation.

The Ukrainian leader also emphasized the need for written security guarantees, noting that Germany and Trkiye had raised the issue of post-war reconstruction. He described it as a positive signal that shows belief in the possibility of ending the war. On NATO membership, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Russia should have no veto over Ukraine's defense alliances, asserting that they have no legal authority in this regard.

Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of a strong Ukrainian military for both Ukraine's defense and European security. He urged faster action on military production and allied commitments, stating that at the current pace, Ukraine and Europe could be strengthened within five years, but he believes this timeline is too long and dangerous.