The comment comes as diplomats gather in the US state of Florida for new talks on ending Russia's offensive war. Earlier on Saturday, Moscow's negotiator Kirill Dmitriyev wrote on X that he was "on his way to Miami."
They (the US), as far as I understand, have proposed the following format: Ukraine, America, Russia," Zelensky says, adding that the Europeans may also participate.
Later, the Ukrainian leader says that the hopes ultimately rest with the United States and the Trump administration.
Zelenskyy tells reporters that the United States needs to put "a little more pressure on Russia" to end the Russian war of aggression.
"America must clearly say: if diplomacy (doesn't work), then there must be hard pressure (on Russia). Putin does not yet feel the pressure on him that should be there," Zelensky said, according to AFP.
At the same time, he notes that only the United States can get Russia to end the war.
I believe that such strength exists in the United States and in President Trump. And I believe that we should not look for alternatives to the United States. All other alternatives are surrounded by question marks as to whether they can really manage to (reach a deal).
Zelenskyy does not directly comment on any direct talks with Russia.
The last time Ukrainian and Russian representatives spoke directly to each other was in Istanbul, Turkey, in July, which, apart from a prisoner exchange, did not lead to any concrete progress.
