Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, framed the military actions unleashed against Ukraine as a strike for power rather than a path to lasting peace. He asserted that any settlement must begin with Kyiv reclaiming control over its territory, safeguarding its sovereignty, and ensuring full accountability for the devastation wrought by aggression. In his view, a true peace cannot be built on concessions that compromise Ukraine’s borders or the integrity of its state institutions. He stressed that there can be no legitimate settlement with Russia unless those core principles are acknowledged and restored through tangible restitution for losses experienced by Ukrainian communities and industries.
The remarks were delivered alongside a bilateral platform with the United States, where President Zelensky joined President Joe Biden in a joint press conference. The exchange highlighted shared concerns about regional security, international law, and the duty of major powers to uphold the rules that govern modern sovereignty. Zelensky emphasized that leadership in Kyiv will not waiver on the fundamental expectations of the Ukrainian people for security guarantees and economic support that would enable a durable recovery from years of conflict and upheaval. The Ukrainian leadership underscored that any future agreement must align with the principle of territorial integrity, ensuring that borders drawn decades ago are respected and reinforced by international oversight and guarantees. Officials from Kyiv noted that while diplomacy remains an essential component of the international response, it must be anchored in concrete measures that reinforce Ukraine’s autonomy and fast-track reconstruction across affected towns and regions.
Later that evening, Zelensky was reported to be traveling to the United States for an official visit—the first documented instance of his departure from home soil since the onset of the special operation. White House officials described the trip as a clear signal of unwavering American support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and a reaffirmation of the solidarity shared between Kyiv and Washington. The visit was framed as a demonstration of robust transatlantic partnership, aimed at coordinating security assistance, economic resilience, and humanitarian relief for communities enduring disruption and displacement. Washington and Kyiv continue to stress the importance of sustained military and economic backing in order to preserve Ukraine’s independence, deter further aggression, and create the conditions necessary for a durable, law-based settlement that respects Ukraine’s borders and restores stability to the region. The discussions also touched on broader European security concerns, energy independence, and the need for global coalitions to enforce accountability for acts of aggression, while ensuring that reconstruction efforts reach the most affected cities and villages with transparency and accountability.