Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed apprehension on 14/4, telling German broadcaster ZDF that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, who previously helped advance negotiations with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, are now "constantly engaged in dialogues with Iran". While he described the two US envoys as "pragmatic", Zelensky suggested that without stronger pressure from the US, Russia would lose motivation to "negotiate seriously". "The US no longer has time for Ukraine. If the US does not exert pressure on Russia and only engages in soft dialogue, Moscow will no longer be cautious", Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Oslo, Norway on 13/4. *Photo: AFP*.

US-led negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine have stalled since the conflict in Iran erupted on 28/2. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have not met since discussions in February in Geneva, Switzerland.

Zelensky also expressed concern regarding arms supplies from the US to Ukraine. He stated, "If the conflict in the Middle East continues, Ukraine will receive fewer weapons. This is particularly serious, especially for air defense equipment".

At a subsequent press conference during his visit to Norway, Zelensky emphasized the shortage of PAC-3 and PAC-2 interceptor missiles. These weapons are primarily procured through the PURL program, launched last year, which allows Ukraine to receive US equipment with funding from European countries. "From the outset of the Middle East war, we anticipated challenges. Arms deliveries have been slow", Zelensky said, admitting this is a "very difficult situation for us".

During his visit to Norway, Zelensky and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store signed a "joint declaration on strengthening defense and security cooperation". The Norwegian government stated that both countries aim to "facilitate closer cooperation between the Norwegian and Ukrainian defense industries", and that "Ukrainian drones will now be produced in Norway".

Earlier that same day, Zelensky led a government delegation to Berlin, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and ministers to discuss the war with Russia, now in its fifth year. The two countries also announced the establishment of a strategic partnership focused on the defense sector.

*Huyen Le (According to AFP, Turkiye Today)*