The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, has urged that the talks to end the conflict with Russia progress "at full speed," just days before the meeting between representatives from Kiev and Moscow in the United Arab Emirates. This issue has focused part of the meeting he held this Wednesday with the envoys of the United States, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
"The negotiations must move forward at full speed to end this war as soon as possible. Ukraine is willing to take the necessary steps. Our proposals are clear and we have already conveyed them to the American side," he said on his social networks, after a "very detailed conversation, lasting an hour and a half" with Witkoff and Kushner.
During that communication, the Ukrainian leader addressed the strengthening of the country's air defense, which he described as an "important priority." "We need interceptor missiles for Patriot systems in order to protect lives from Russian attacks," he stressed.
Zelenski highlighted cooperation "in each of the bilateral tracks with the United States" and, specifically, the "drone agreement."
"Ukraine thanks the United States for its support for Ukraine’s independence, for our people, and for diplomatic efforts. There is no alternative to peace, and the postwar security guarantees must be truly unbreakable," he reiterated.
These statements come amid the closing of preparations for the technical talks between Ukraine and Russia, scheduled for the coming days 10 and 11 November in Abu Dhabi, with mediation from Washington.
Sources from the European External Action Service (SEAE) have specified that the European Union will not participate in these meetings, which will take place with a "trilateral character," limited to Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.