British News Agency

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a speech at the Hudson Institute that he had met with US President Donald Trump's representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky said they discussed the outcomes of meetings in Oslo and St. Petersburg and how to advance the diplomatic process in November. He noted that an agreement had been reached to hold a trilateral meeting at the delegation level involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia.

Zelensky said the meeting was scheduled for the first half of November. He stated that Ukraine was ready to hold talks every day, but that the process depended on Russia's position. Noting that trilateral talks had also been expected in October but did not take place because Russia put forward a new pretext, Zelensky stressed the need to focus joint efforts with the United States, Europe and other partners on making the negotiations happen.

Zelensky expressed the view that it would be difficult to hold negotiations without the United States or without US pressure on Russia. He said Ukraine expected the Washington administration to keep the diplomatic process a priority at every level. Emphasizing the need to move from technical-level trilateral discussions to a meeting of leaders, Zelensky stated that fundamental issues could only be resolved at the leadership level.

During his speech, Zelensky also stated that speed restrictions on Starlink and Starshield services remained in place and that connection speeds had not yet returned to their previous levels. He reported delays in the delivery of interceptor missiles intended to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks, adding that previously agreed systems had not yet been delivered.

Zelensky said Russia was carrying out attacks almost every day and that Starlink and Starshield policies, along with speed restrictions, were making conditions on the front line more difficult. Despite these challenges, he noted that Ukrainian forces were holding their positions and continuing operations along the front. Zelensky expressed pride in the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine wanted its relations with the United States and cooperation with other partners to remain strong, friendly and free from misunderstandings. He also emphasized the importance of continued US engagement with developments around the world.

Explaining why Ukraine was delivering more open and direct messages to the international community, Zelensky said the aim was to help countries and societies understand what was happening. He noted that an accurate understanding of developments could help political leaders take steps that would bring peace closer.

Zelensky emphasized that peace was Ukraine's highest priority.