Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says he repeatedly urged Trump for in-person meeting during phone talks
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant in Netishyn. (AFP Photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the 2025 Munich Security Conference in Germany, revealed on Saturday that he repeatedly requested an in-person meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump during their recent phone conversation.
Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of such a meeting to discuss concrete strategies and timelines for a resolution with Russia.
Calls for stronger defense and NATO involvement
Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s need for robust security guarantees, including significant sanctions on Russia and the creation of a 1.3 to 1.5 million-strong army to match Russia’s military capabilities.
He noted that if Ukraine remains outside NATO, the alliance must establish a presence in Ukraine to bolster its defense.
“We need an army comparable to Russia’s, about 1.3 or 1.5 million soldiers,” Zelenskyy stated, urging Western allies to provide the $40 billion annually required to sustain such a force. He also called for the establishment of missile and weapons storage facilities within Ukraine to strengthen its defense infrastructure.
Regarding U.S. military aid, Zelenskyy acknowledged that while assistance continues, it is not arriving quickly enough to fully meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs.
Foreign troops in Ukraine
When questioned about the possibility of foreign troops in Ukraine, Zelenskyy expressed openness to the idea, indicating that detailed discussions would be necessary with international leaders.
Turning to domestic issues, Zelenskyy addressed concerns about his expired presidential term, which ended in May 2024. He argued that holding elections at this time could jeopardize Ukraine’s military aid and territorial integrity.
“I’m focused on the survival of our country,” he said, asserting that Ukrainians fear that elections could lead to a loss of military loans and allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to further occupy Ukraine.
Zelenskyy maintained that his leadership has been crucial in uniting the nation and safeguarding its independence. He added that those dissatisfied with the absence of elections could seek citizenship elsewhere.
“The question is to survive, to save Ukraine, our independence, and our people,” he declared, underscoring his commitment to the country’s future amidst ongoing challenges.
