"There are two formats in which it is realistic to make progress. These are leadership-level formats. The bilateral format - Ukraine and Russia. And the trilateral format - Ukraine, the United States, Russia. We discussed it in Washington. Putin talked about it during President Trump's call. They are trying to avoid the need to hold a meeting. They do not want to end this war," Zelensky said.

He said that Russian armed forces had carried out a targeted attack directly on US assets in Ukraine at a time when the world was awaiting a Russian response to talks to end the war.

Russia launched a missile strike on the US company Flex electronics factory in the Transcarpathian city of Mukachevo on Thursday night, injuring 23 people.

He also mentioned the drone crash in Poland on the night of August 20 and recalled that Lithuania had also previously encountered"unpleasant drone incidents". In this regard, he expressed hope that Kiev's partners would react in a principled manner."This war must end. We must put pressure on Russia to end the war. Putin understands nothing but force and pressure. Of course, we are doing and will do everything necessary to defend our country and protect our people. The President of the United States is absolutely right: we must do this not only for defensive purposes," the Ukrainian President said.

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, also expressed the opinion in the"ZDF Heute Journal" podcast that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not interested in negotiations and is just trying to buy time.