In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.
The Head of State officially received from the American side a draft plan which, in the American side’s assessment, could reinvigorate diplomacy.
The President outlined the fundamental principles important to the people of Ukraine. Following the meeting, both sides agreed to work through the plan’s provisions in a way that would lead to a just end to the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that from the first seconds of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has sought peace and has supported all substantive proposals capable of bringing real peace closer. Since the beginning of this year, our country has supported the proposals of President Trump aimed at ending the bloodshed, and remains ready to work constructively with the United States and with partners in Europe and around the world to ensure that the outcome is peace.
The Head of State expects to discuss available diplomatic opportunities and the key elements needed to achieve peace with President Trump in the coming days.
“We are very grateful to President Trump, to the United States, to the entire American people. We stay strong because we have such strong partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President separately underscored the importance of implementing the PURL initiative for the procurement of American weapons, first and foremost air defense systems, for Ukraine’s needs.
Daniel Driscoll stressed that President of the United States Donald Trump and his team have great respect for Ukraine. The Secretary expressed admiration for the heroism with which Ukrainians defend their homeland.
Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Russia has not yet shown any intention of stopping its aggression against Ukraine and continues to strike critical infrastructure and civilian facilities.
“Yesterday they attacked our western part of Ukraine. So many people were killed. The most horrific tragedy was in Ternopil,” the Head of State said.
As of now, it is known that 27 people were killed in the strike, including three children. Search operations are still ongoing.
The President provided the U.S. Secretary of the Army with specific data on the foreign components found in the Russian Kh-101 missile used to strike Ternopil. The missile was produced this year and contains components originating from the United States, Germany, China and Taiwan, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The Head of State noted that without components manufactured by companies in various countries, Russia would not have the capacity to produce such missiles. Therefore, it is critically important to increase sanctions pressure and shut down all possible channels through which these components reach the Russian Federation.