Ukraine peace talks rely on outcome of US presidential race, says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the likelihood of peace talks with Russia is contingent upon the outcome of next month's US presidential election . In comments released on Tuesday, he indicated that Moscow's willingness to negotiate would be influenced by the policies of the incoming US administration.

"First of all, it depends on the elections in the United States. I think they will be watching the policy of the United States," Zelenskyy told journalists. He expressed confidence that the US would "demonstrate the policy very quickly, after the elections... they will not wait until January."

Zelenskyy acknowledged concerns surrounding Donald Trump ’s candidacy, noting the former president's scepticism regarding Washington's military and financial support for Ukraine. A victory for Trump could complicate Kyiv's efforts as it confronts ongoing Russian aggression.

However, Zelenskyy reported having had "good" meetings with both Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris , the Democratic candidate. "I had a good meeting with Trump. It was very positive. And I'm glad about that. I had a very good meeting with Harris, not the first one," he said.

The Ukrainian leader also voiced concerns about Germany's reluctance to support Ukraine's NATO membership bid, suggesting that Berlin fears potential Russian retaliation. "It is a fact that the German side is sceptical about us joining NATO. They are afraid of the NATO-Germany issue in terms of the Russian reaction," Zelenskyy explained.

He asserted that France and Britain were supportive of Ukraine's NATO aspirations, while the positions of Germany and other NATO members like Hungary and Slovakia also "depends on the United States."

Zelenskyy made these remarks in Kyiv on Monday, as the Ukrainian military continues to rely on Western support to counter Russia’s invasion, which has entered its third year. As Russian forces gain ground, the situation remains critical for Ukraine amid ongoing international diplomacy.