ISTANBUL 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday emphasized the need for a strong security agreement with the US to guarantee lasting peace. 

Following a “productive meeting” with US special envoy Keith Kellogg, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Washington’s ongoing assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

Zelenskyy hails ‘productive meeting’ with US Special Envoy Kellogg, calls for strong US-Ukraine security pact

Ukraine seeks lasting peace, ‘so that Russia can never return with war,’ Zelenskyy says

'It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American strength is… pic.twitter.com/SeBLqeHz4F

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) February 20, 2025

“It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American strength is felt,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on X. He noted that the meeting focused on the battlefield situation, efforts to bring Ukrainian prisoners of war home, and discussions on effective security guarantees.


“From the very first second of this war, Ukraine has sought peace. We must and can ensure that peace is strong and lasting—so that Russia can never return with war,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader stressed his country’s readiness to sign a “strong, effective investment and security agreement” with US President Donald Trump, proposing the “fastest and most constructive” approach to achieving results.

“Our team is ready to work 24/7,” he added, underlining the importance of solid Ukraine-US ties. “Success unites us all. Strong Ukraine-US relations benefit the entire world.”

Zelenskyy also thanked Kellogg for the “joint work to achieve important results” in strengthening Ukraine’s defense and international support.