Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Russia, revealing plans for senior officials to meet U.S. representatives in New York this Friday. The talks follow a series of mediation sessions in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland this week involving key figures like Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Zelenskyy emphasized the critical importance of implementing defense agreements with Washington, particularly regarding weapons supplies and drone technology transfers. "Much of Ukraine's long-term security depends on relations with America," he stated, appointing seasoned diplomat Olha Stefanishyna as Ukraine's new ambassador to the U.S. to strengthen bilateral coordination.
The diplomatic push comes weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump's summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska and subsequent discussions with European allies. While Trump has proposed direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Kyiv maintains that any peace deal must include binding Western security guarantees.
Meanwhile, Germany reinforced its support for Ukraine as Rheinmetall inaugurated Europe's largest ammunition plant in Lower Saxony. The facility will produce 350,000 artillery shells annually by 2027, with output allocated to German forces, NATO partners, and Ukraine. Berlin has committed €9 billion in aid this year, including additional Patriot air-defense systems.
