Zelenskyy says Ukraine is no longer Washington’s primary focus amid global conflicts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is prepared for any format of diplomatic negotiations to end the war with Russia, including direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but warned that the United States is currently focused on other international crises.

Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a briefing in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains in constant contact with the US regarding efforts to advance negotiations, although progress has slowed considerably.

“Unfortunately, today we are not the focus of the United States. Iran is the number one issue for the US, while Ukraine is second. Unfortunately, it has turned out that we are standing in line among the world’s conflicts,” Zelenskyy said.

Despite this, the President stressed that Washington continues to possess the greatest leverage capable of compelling Russia to halt its aggression.

According to Zelenskyy, the most favourable scenario for Ukraine remains active involvement by both the United States and Europe in peace efforts. He argued that without European representation at the negotiating table, the interests of the European Union risk being overlooked.

The President reiterated that Ukraine’s overriding priority is to bring the war to a swift end and said Kyiv is willing to support any format that could help achieve peace.

“I am ready for direct negotiations with Putin to end this war, rather than standing in line while every other conflict in the world is resolved before attention finally turns to us,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that developments on the battlefield, as well as Ukraine’s recent successful strikes deep inside Russian territory, have strengthened Kyiv’s position and created a solid foundation for diplomacy.

According to Zelenskyy, these factors enable Ukraine to negotiate with Russia “on equal terms” and pursue an end to the war through any viable diplomatic format.