Zelensky: Peace Comes Only Through Strength After Call With Witkoff and Kushner

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a call on Sunday, October 18, with US President Donald Trump's representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussing the results of negotiation team meetings in Florida and next diplomatic steps. Zelensky stated that Kyiv is doing everything to strengthen America's position and bring peace closer, emphasizing that "peace comes only through strength and cooperation built on trust." He noted that Ukrainian and US teams remain in constant communication, and that he regularly informs partners about ongoing Russian shelling and air defense needs. The call follows reports that Trump is angered by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, claiming they raise global oil prices. Additionally, US senators are demanding an investigation into Pentagon chief Hegseth over Starlink restrictions for Ukraine, and the US reportedly seeks to unfreeze and control part of Russian assets.