Zelensky says talks with US envoy rekindle hope for a solid agreement

 The meeting occurred a day after Zelensky and Trump traded barbs as US-Russian negotiations began on resolving the three-year conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelensky Vows Swift Action on Strong US-Ukraine Agreement

President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged Thursday that Ukraine is prepared to move quickly in securing a robust investment and security agreement with the United States. He described his meeting with US envoy Keith Kellogg as a source of renewed hope.

"General Kellogg, a meeting that restores hope. We need strong agreements that truly work. I have instructed my team to act swiftly and fairly," Zelensky said in his nightly video address. "The details of the agreement matter—the better they are drafted, the stronger the outcome."

The meeting came a day after Zelensky and US President Donald Trump exchanged barbs as US-Russian negotiations began on ending the three-year war between Kyiv and Moscow, from which Ukraine was excluded.

Following his discussion with Kellogg, Zelensky took to social media platform X, emphasizing Ukraine’s goal of ensuring "peace that is strong and lasting—so that Russia can never return with war."

"Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the US President. We have proposed the fastest and most constructive path to results. Our team is prepared to work around the clock," he added.

The talks also followed Ukraine’s rejection of an initial US proposal regarding rare earth development in the country.

Zelensky noted that his conversation with Kellogg covered battlefield conditions, Ukraine’s desired security guarantees, and the return of prisoners of war.

"It's important for us—and the entire free world—that American strength is felt," he wrote.