Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a press conference on 19 February following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Speaking against the backdrop of these negotiations, Zelenskyy addressed Ukraine’s international position, ongoing Western support, and security concerns.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
Zelenskyy announced an upcoming high-level meeting on 24 February, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting will bring together various leaders, with some attending in person and others joining virtually. He refrained from disclosing details on who would participate online but indicated it would be a significant gathering.
Addressing Trump’s Comments on U.S. Aid to Ukraine
Zelenskyy responded to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that the war should not have started, questioned where American aid was going, and remarked on Zelenskyy’s approval ratings. The Ukrainian leader dismissed these claims, saying, “I never comment on ratings, because discussing one’s own or another leader’s ratings means there is a political race underway. We do not have elections now.“
He acknowledged misinformation campaigns, stating,
“We have seen this disinformation; we understand it is coming from Russia. Unfortunately, President Trump, whom we respect as a leader of the American people, lives within this disinformation space.”
Zelenskyy stressed that the priority for Ukrainians is security rather than political discussions. “The number one question today is how to protect against attacks. That is what Ukrainians care about most, according to all polls,” he noted. He also criticised discussions in Saudi Arabia that, he claimed, failed to address the issues of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missile attacks. “When I raise the issue of increasing Patriot systems, I receive no response from the U.S.,” he added.
Security Guarantees and NATO Membership
Discussing Ukraine’s security needs, Zelenskyy underlined that Ukraine seeks binding security commitments, not vague assurances. He criticised any suggestion of negotiating security guarantees with Russia. “We are not talking about agreements with Russia at this stage. We are talking about quick solutions that depend solely on our NATO partners,” he said.
He voiced frustration over the hesitation of some Western allies to supply more advanced air defence systems. “Can we get 20 Patriot systems? That is enough. We don’t even need their personnel – we will train our own,” he stated.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its own military-industrial complex, noting that the country now produces around 30% of its defence needs. “That is not enough, but it is significant. It is more than any individual European country produces today,” he remarked.
Ukraine’s Strategic Position and Financial Aid
The Ukrainian president was critical of U.S. discussions on aid calculations, dismissing claims that Washington had provided Ukraine with $500 billion in assistance. “The total cost of the war for us has been $320 billion. Ukrainian taxpayers covered $120 billion, while $200 billion came from the U.S. and the EU combined,” he clarified. He noted that direct U.S. financial support to Ukraine’s budget was approximately $31.5 billion, with additional military aid.
He also responded to speculation that Western nations expect Ukraine to repay aid through natural resource agreements. “We are open to investment, and investors can take their share of profits, but we need security guarantees first,” he insisted.
Zelenskyy stressed that while U.S. funding is vital, European nations must also be prepared to step up. “If the U.S. stops funding Ukraine’s armed forces, will Europe be ready to do so? I think yes, but that is their decision,” he said.
Relations with Trump and Influence of Third Parties
Zelenskyy expressed concern that Trump’s advisers include individuals with pro-Russian leanings. “Around him, there are representatives from Hungary, Slovak politicians, and lobbyists, all working to weaken Ukraine,” he said. He suggested that Trump is being influenced by voices pushing for a settlement unfavourable to Ukraine.
He also warned against allowing Russia to regain influence through international diplomacy. “The U.S. helped Putin come out of years of isolation caused by his full-scale invasion,” he stated.
Zelenskyy urged Trump’s team to engage directly with Ukraine to avoid misinformation. “We must counter the disinformation surrounding President Trump. We must influence him with the truth,” he declared.
Ukraine’s Sovereignty and Security Commitments
On Ukraine’s geopolitical standing, he rejected claims that decisions about Ukraine were being made without its participation. “Without us, this issue – as Americans say – is dead. It is impossible,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s military resilience ensures its voice remains heard.
Zelenskyy concluded by reiterating that Ukraine will not accept weak security guarantees. “We will not negotiate away our security for vague promises. Air defence systems, financial support, and military backing must be clear and concrete,” he said.
With Ukraine facing continued Russian aggression, Zelenskyy’s message was firm: the country needs immediate and decisive international support to ensure its survival and long-term security.
