Kyiv: Peace can only be achieved through strength, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated following a meeting with US envoy Keith Kellogg, emphasizing the need for maximum pressure on Russia to halt the ongoing war.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy described his discussions with Kellogg in Kyiv as 'a meaningful start' to the envoy's visit, expressing gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his commitment to supporting Ukraine. Zelenskyy attributed the continuation of the war solely to Russia and President Vladimir Putin's intent to prolong it. He stressed the importance of taking comprehensive measures to compel Russia to cease hostilities and attain genuine peace and security, asserting that peace is achievable only through force.

Zelenskyy highlighted the cooperation between Ukraine and the US in areas such as weapons deliveries, European defense funding, and the enforcement of sanctions. He noted that a sanctions bill targeting Russia is already in preparation in Congress. Furthermore, Zelenskyy mentioned that the Ukrainian military and intelligence agencies are prepared to share frontline intelligence with Kellogg regarding potential Russian offensives. He also expressed appreciation to the US, Germany, and Norway for developing a new solution involving Patriot air defense systems.

Ukraine is fully prepared to engage in honest and effective steps toward peace, Zelenskyy affirmed, pointing out that it is Russia that remains unprepared and needs to be compelled to act. Earlier, President Trump announced plans for the US to send new weapons to Ukraine and warned of potential new sanctions on Moscow if a resolution to end the conflict is not reached within 50 days. He also indicated that European nations would purchase American weapons to subsequently transfer them to Ukraine.