President Zelensky Expects Middle East Peace Momentum To Impact War In Ukraine

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday the momentum in the Middle East peace process would help end his country's war with Russia which has lasted more than 3.5 years.

He said this ahead of a meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House, Washington DC today.

"We are planning a meeting with President Trump and we rely on a push to curb the terror and war that has been successful in the Middle East to help end Russia's war against Ukraine," President Zelensky wrote on the messaging app Telegram.

"Language of strength and justice will definitely be successful for Russia as well," he added.

President Zelensky did not directly refer to President Trump's deal, in a telephone conversation on Thursday, to hold new negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, he said it was clear that "after hearing about Tomahawk, Moscow was in a hurry to renew dialogue", referring to President Trump's suggestion that he might provide Kyiv with the missiles.

President Zelensky said he met with representatives of defense companies, "a powerful arms manufacturer that can definitely strengthen our defenses", including the air defense system to ward off attacks on energy infrastructure.