Zelensky spoke about negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the role of the UN, and the meeting with Macron: key statements.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel, where he spoke about preparations for technical negotiations in Saudi Arabia and the meeting with the French president. He also clarified his position on security guarantees for Ukraine.

Technical negotiations in Saudi Arabia

The meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with specialists from Saudi Arabia is scheduled for March 24. The president noted that they are ready for any format for a ceasefire and the protection of civilian objects.

'The first step could be silence in the sky or the conditions that Trump discussed with me on the phone; he conveyed to me what they talked about with Putin. Specifically, to refrain from striking energy facilities and other civilian infrastructure with missiles and other long-range weapons.'

The president also emphasized that he cannot predict the outcome of the meeting but hopes for a positive conclusion.

Meeting with Macron and the 'coalition of willing'

The president confirmed preparations for a meeting with the French president next week in Paris, where issues concerning the peacekeeping contingent and support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The president also highlighted the preparation of a summit of the 'coalition of willing', where issues of security for Ukraine and the development of its army will be addressed.

'We will talk about the strategy for security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends. We will discuss how to support the Ukrainian army, what the infrastructure of the contingent will look like, where, how many, and who is ready to be in the coalition.'

Security guarantees and peacekeeping contingent

The president expressed his skepticism regarding the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Ukraine, believing that an effective guarantee could be a peacekeeping contingent with full military provision.

'With all due respect, the UN will not protect us from occupation or Putin's desire to come again. We do not see the UN as an alternative to the contingent or security guarantees.'

According to Zelensky, Ukraine is ready to accept a peacekeeping contingent with a complete package of military equipment and specialists to ensure security.

Cooperation with the Czech Republic

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of cooperation with the Czech Republic and noted that together with partners, Ukraine can force Russia to respect international law.

Zelensky thanked the Czech Republic for its support and reported on joint projects in the defense sector.

'Ukraine produces enough weapons, but we can help Ukraine produce enough weapons, and Ukraine can provide us with experience in tactics and what has proven effective.'

Both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation between the countries and the continuation of the path to a European future for Ukraine.