Zelenskyy says US signals possible imminent Russia talks

MOSCOW

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Kyiv has in recent days received signals from the US about a possible imminent resumption of negotiations with Russia.

Addressing a European Council meeting via video link, Zelenskyy voiced concern that Moscow may approach the talks “with a feeling of strengthening its position” due to the recent developments in the Middle East.

“The Russians see an active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and they may think that Ukraine will face a shortage of such missiles,” he said.

He added that another factor shaping Russia’s perception is the EU’s failure to adopt a 20th sanctions package, along with the US decision to ease restrictive measures on the Russian energy sector.

“For the third month in a row, the most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine from Europe – a support package worth €90 billion ($103.8 billion) for this and next year – has not worked. This is critically important for us,” he said.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of securing the €90 billion EU credit and urged the European Council to support its approval.

The €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, approved in December 2025 for 2026-2027, remains blocked by Hungary, which is demanding that Ukraine restore Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline before lifting its veto.

Hungary has accused Ukraine of deliberately halting oil deliveries from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline, while Kyiv argues the transit was stopped due to damage caused by a Russian strike and has declined requests for inspections.