He began his speech by paying tribute to Ukrainian journalists killed in the Russian attack on Kramatorsk, noting that Russia killed about 155 media workers for reporting the truth.

"Truth is always pressure, and that is what is putting pressure on Russia," he said.

He also referred to yesterday's Russian attack on a kindergarten in Kharkov, where several children were injured.

"Yesterday, Russia attacked a kindergarten. The so-called 'second strongest army in the world' is waging a war against Ukrainian children. This does not tell me that they want to stop the war," Zelensky said.

"Russia is very afraid of this decision"

Zelensky stressed that Russia is "very afraid" of the decision to use its frozen assets to help Ukraine. When asked about a potential loan financed by these funds, he replied:"If Russia starts a war on our country, they will have to pay for this war. They are very afraid of this decision."

He added that the decision on the use of frozen assets is close, but that"it is too early to talk about what we will allow or not". The Ukrainian president pointed out that Ukraine needs a loan for reparations at the beginning of 2026.

Use of long-range weapons

Referring to media reports that the US has lifted restrictions on the use of long-range weapons for attacks on Russia, Zelensky clarified the situation. He said his country possesses and uses"Ukrainian long-range capabilities" with a range of 150 to 3,000 kilometers, but the problem is financing mass production.

"We have not used American long-range weapons to target specific targets in Russia," he said.

"We've used various weapons that have this long-range capability, but it's been strictly in combat territory. That's how I'd put it."

"Not bad"

Commenting on his recent meeting with US President  Donald Trump, Zelensky said that the outcome "is not bad".

"The result of this meeting is that we have sanctions on Russian energy, we don't have a meeting in Hungary without Ukraine and we still don't have Tomahawks," he said, adding with a smile:"Maybe tomorrow we will have Tomahawks."

When asked about China's role, the Ukrainian president was blunt. Although he did not directly answer the question of whether China is providing Russia with satellite data, he claimed:"I know one thing - China helps Russia, it does not help Ukraine and is not interested in our victory and Russia's defeat, in my opinion."