Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to discuss sensitive issues with Russia but insists U.S. must remain at center of talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is prepared to negotiate with Russia in any format and discuss even issues it considers unfair or deeply sensitive, but insisted the United States must remain at the center of efforts to end the war.

“We are ready for negotiations in any format,” Zelensky said in an interview with The Sun published Wednesday. “We are even ready to speak about any kind of topics, including sensitive topics for us.”

Zelensky said Ukraine would not walk away from negotiations even when the agenda included subjects it strongly opposed.

“I’m sure some topics are not even fair to discuss, but we are ready because I don’t want to show that we are stopping the negotiation process,” he said. “But we need the United States in the middle.”

Asked whether he could trust President Donald Trump, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s relationship with the United States rather than giving an unqualified answer about Trump personally.

“We trust Americans and bipartisan support, and we’re thankful to the administration,” he said. “I have to be thankful. I don’t want to lose this. But we need more support.”

Zelensky said Washington should remain on Ukraine’s side because “Russia is the aggressor,” as Kyiv seeks renewed U.S.-brokered talks with Moscow.

He also argued that Ukrainians understand Vladimir Putin and Russian society better than Washington because of their shared Soviet history and decades of proximity.

“We understand the mentality of Putin, of Russian soldiers and their civilians,” Zelensky said, arguing that Russians know they can face punishment if they resist the Kremlin or refuse to fight.

The remarks came as diplomatic efforts intensified following a coordinated call by the leaders of Finland and Norway with Putin, with Ukraine signaling readiness for direct talks involving the United States and Russia.