Vladimir Zelensky said Ukraine does not intend to withdraw its troops from Donbass or abandon the positions it currently holds on its own initiative.

He also said Kiev expects to receive substantial security guarantees from Washington after the fighting ends, aimed at protecting Ukraine in the event of another conflict with Moscow.

Zelensky has previously stated several times that Ukraine would not agree to transfer control of the entire Donbass region to Russia as part of a peace settlement. According to him, reaching an agreement would first require three high-level meetings — two bilateral and one trilateral.

The previous day, Zelensky held a meeting with the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mikhail Drapaty. The defence of Konstantinovka and Slavyansk was among the main issues discussed.

Zelensky also said Kiev continues to seek missile supplies for its air defence systems at all levels. He described strengthening Ukraine as the best investment in future peace negotiations.