KYIV: Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that efforts to end the war in Ukraine must continue alongside global crises, warning against delaying negotiations until tensions in the Middle East subside.
According to CNN, Zelensky said he remains open to a ceasefire with Russia but does not expect meaningful progress in the near term, as international attention has shifted towards the conflict involving Iran.
Speaking from his office in Kyiv, the Ukrainian leader said ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States continues at a technical level.
However, he acknowledged that high-level talks are unlikely to resume soon, noting that he does not “see the opportunity to meet … until the question, the case of Iran, will be closed.”
Zelensky highlighted the challenge posed by overlapping diplomatic priorities, pointing out that the same US team, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is handling negotiations related to both Ukraine and Iran.
Delays in military supplies
He stressed that Ukraine’s crisis cannot be sidelined, stating it is not acceptable to say “we will speak about (Ukraine) a little bit later. … Ukraine is not ‘a little bit later.’ Ukraine is already in such a big tragedy, we have to find a way to manage this in a parallel way.”
Zelensky also raised concerns over delays in military supplies, particularly anti-ballistic missile systems, citing limited production capacity as a key issue.
The Ukrainian president further underlined the urgency of financial support following the European Union’s approval of a €90 billion loan package. He described the funding as vital, saying it is a matter of “life and surviving” for Ukraine.
He noted that despite having the capacity to increase weapons production, including drone interceptors, shortages in funding remain a major constraint, warning that continued delays could impact Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
