‘Putin Says Nice Things, But They’re Lies’ – Zelensky Warns Putin Prepping 1,000-Drone Strike on Ukraine
Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations, both on a technical level and at the level of state leaders, including the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and himself, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a closed meeting with journalists, according to Kyiv Post journalist.
Kyiv Post gathered the president’s key statements.
“We are ready for the Trump-Putin-me format, or for separate meetings — Trump-Putin, Trump-Zelensky, and then all three together. It’s not a question of time or place, the main thing is the substance,” Zelensky said, adding that both the American and Russian sides are aware of this.
The president clarified that the venues for such meetings could be either technical or political; among the possible locations, he named the Vatican and Switzerland. Everything will depend on the subject of discussion. For example, if the topic is a ceasefire, the United States should be involved as a party Ukraine trusts in matters of monitoring and ensuring compliance with any agreements.
“If we are talking about security guarantees, I strongly believe that Europeans must be part of the process — they are the ones willing to support us with weapons and financing. It is their responsibility,” he explained to journalists on Tuesday, May 27.
On matters such as EU membership or economic guarantees, Zelensky emphasized that discussing them with the Kremlin is pointless, as the decision rests solely with the European Union.
President Zelensky during a meeting with journalists, Kyiv, May 27, 2025.
Russia’s “Memorandum” on Ending the War
Ukraine is awaiting an official proposal from Russia, “a document that Moscow refers to as a “memorandum”, outlining its vision for the next steps in possible ceasefire negotiations and future talks.
“We have supported an unconditional ceasefire and a transition to diplomacy in one format or another,” Zelensky stressed, reaffirming Ukraine’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Russia “in any format, in any composition, and almost anywhere in the civilized world” — either directly or through mediators from the US, Europe, or other nations.
According to him, during the latest talks in Istanbul — which included Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Russian representative Vladimir Medinsky — the two sides agreed on the exchange of 1,000 prisoners. However, Russia was not ready to move forward on a ceasefire discussion.
“They said they are not ready yet. They said they would come back to us with certain signals,” Zelensky said. Ukraine received similar messages through the United States, and the Turkish side confirmed this during two days of negotiations.
According to the president, Russia promised to send a document, “something they call a memorandum”, in which it will outline whether it is willing to support a ceasefire and a leaders-level summit.
“We’ll read their proposals and respond accordingly. That’s it. There’s nothing more to add,” Zelensky concluded.
Sanctions Pressure on Russia from the EU and the US
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is expecting the 18th package of EU sanctions, which is currently being discussed behind closed doors. In parallel, Kyiv is also holding talks with members of the US Senate and the Trump administration.
“We believe that if these sanctions are voted on and supported by the White House, it would serve as a crucial confirmation of the new administration’s ‘peace through strength’ policy,” Zelensky said.
Commenting on the delay in adopting a new US sanctions package, Zelensky linked it to Washington’s hopes for concessions from the Kremlin, particularly regarding an end to the war. In his view, such hesitation only emboldens Moscow and could impact the morale of Russian forces — with consequences on the battlefield.
“Not introducing sanctions boosts morale in the Kremlin… They are emotionally inspired by words,” he added.
Zelensky acknowledged that some policymakers in both the US and Europe are wary of increasing pressure on Russia, fearing it could close off dialogue. However, he said such a strategy “does not work with Putin.” He echoed the US position that only “through strength” can Moscow be compelled to consider peace.
Zelensky-Trump Meeting in the Vatican
Zelensky also recalled a positive conversation with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican.
“We discussed two key aspects of sanctions — energy and the banking sector. If Russia doesn’t stop, he expressed support for sanction steps,” the president said, adding that he sees this talk as a signal of US readiness to act decisively if Putin refuses to deescalate.
Kyiv Post journalist Kateryna Zakharchenko during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, May 27, Kyiv.
Who Irritates the White House More — Zelensky or Putin?
When asked who annoys the White House more, himself or Vladimir Putin, Zelensky replied that he believes it is the Russian leader who causes greater concern in Washington.
“I might say unpleasant things, but I speak the truth. And he might say nice things — but they are lies. And I think for intelligent people, it’s those other types who are more troubling,” he said.
President Zelensky during a meeting with journalists, Kyiv, May 27, 2025.
Zelensky said that despite differences in views or occasional uncomfortable statements, the US-Ukraine partnership remains strong.
“In a partnership, you can be very uncomfortable — and still be partners,” he said, contrasting this with Putin: “If you think you’re in dialogue with him — you’re actually alone.”
Russian Offensive
Russia continues active offensive actions along several axes, but has been unable to launch a large-scale operation due to the response from Ukraine’s Armed Forces. In particular, Russian troops failed to fully concentrate their forces along the Sumy axis from the Kursk region, as Ukrainian strikes — including some on Russian territory — disrupted their plans.
“In Kostiantynivka, we pushed the enemy back by 4 kilometers in just two days. Along the Pokrovsk axis, they failed to transfer all their forces — let alone capture Pokrovsk,” Zelensky said, noting that Russia is currently attempting to create a so-called “buffer zone” about 10 kilometers deep in Sumy region, amassing over 50,000 troops.
Meanwhile, Russian sabotage operations continue in Sumy region, to which Ukrainian forces are actively responding. “Just near Tiotkino, eight Russian soldiers were captured in a single day,” Zelensky noted.
“We’re present there. We’re acting. And until the Russians at least want a ceasefire — we won’t withdraw,” he added.
Zelensky also dismissed recent Russian claims about a possible offensive in Kherson region involving a river crossing as completely unrealistic. “These are statements from people clearly not in a sober state — they don’t care how many of their own people die,” the president said.
Massive Attacks on Ukraine and Russia’s Drone Production Buildup
Russia is working to significantly expand its production of strike drones, aiming to reach a target of 500 Shahed drones per day, though its current actual capacity stands at 300–350.
“I don’t take the figure of 1,000 drones a day as constant, but I understand they could stockpile and launch a massive attack,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, Ukraine is actively developing new technologies to counter such threats, particularly drone interceptors capable of destroying Shaheds at altitudes where mobile fire groups are ineffective.
“We’re already using them. The question now is how fast we can scale,” he added, emphasizing the importance of international financial support, especially from Germany.
The president also highlighted a successful Ukrainian operation involving 400 small drones, which simultaneously destroyed over 40 pieces of Russian military equipment. “We’ll show them much more — several times more. We made it work,” he said.
Regarding Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, Zelensky noted: “We can already deploy up to 100 long-range drones per day. If partners assist, we could reach 300–500. We’re very close — the only issue is funding.”
He also addressed Ukraine’s use of Patriot air defense systems, saying they are employed cautiously and primarily against the most dangerous threats, such as ballistic and cruise missiles.
“We have missiles. We have partners who help,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is moving closer to securing licenses for additional air defense systems.
Source: Kateryna Zakharchenko