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I was asked this week if I see Ukraine as an equal member in the peace process, and I didn't say "yes." However, Ukraine will have a seat at the table. I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine without Ukraine present. This is our war, and these are our human losses. We are thankful for all the support and unity from the USA, including bipartisan support. However, no leader in the world can make a deal with Putin about Ukraine without Ukraine being involved.

I claimed that I could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. I have a good relationship with Zelensky and Putin, and I believe I can use that to negotiate a deal. Zelensky denied any knowledge of the controversial phone call, which I found honorable. However, I clarified that simply feeling threatened would not be enough to stop Putin from bombing Ukraine. My plan is to tell Zelensky to make a deal and warn Putin that if he doesn't, we will provide more support to Ukraine than ever before.

It's an honor to have President Zelenskyy of Ukraine here. We've been working closely together, and we've reached a very fair deal involving rare earth minerals that will benefit both our countries and the world. We've also had good discussions with Russia, and I spoke with President Putin. We're working to bring the war to a close, focusing on reducing casualties and rebuilding Ukraine. The previous administration didn't engage with Russia, but if I were president, this war would have never happened. Your soldiers have been brave, and we've provided equipment. We want to stop the shooting and finalize a deal, which I believe is close. (Speaker 1): I hope this agreement is the first step toward real security guarantees for Ukraine. We count on America's continued support, including infrastructure and security guarantees, and assistance to help bring our children home.

I'm aligned with the United States and the world, and I want to end the conflict in Ukraine. It's hard to make a deal with so much hatred, but I'm focused on getting things done for the sake of the world and Europe. I can be tough, but that won't lead to a deal. We tried being tough with Putin, and it didn't work. Diplomacy is the path to peace and prosperity. During past administrations, nobody stopped Putin when he occupied parts of Ukraine and people died. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke them. What kind of diplomacy are we talking about?

In the past two weeks, we've probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three and a half years. And I think the fact that we're around this table today is is very much symbolic in the sense that it's team Europe and team United States helping Ukraine. And the progress that we're looking out of this meeting is about the security guarantees.

America's strength lies in diplomacy, which we are pursuing with the current president. Russia occupied parts of Ukraine back in 2014, and despite numerous conversations and ceasefire agreements, they continued attacks. My administration is trying to prevent the destruction of your country. Everyone faces challenges during war, but you need to appreciate the support you're receiving. We've provided substantial financial and military aid. If you had to fight this war on your own, it would have been over in two weeks. Be thankful. It's important for the American people to see what's happening. Without our support, you don't have a chance. We gave you javelins, not just sheets. I have empowered you, but without us, you're vulnerable. Make a deal, or we're out. You're not acting thankful at all.

It's an honor to have President Zelenskyy of Ukraine here. We've been working closely together for a long time, and we've negotiated a fair deal that will benefit both our countries and the world. I've also had good discussions with President Putin, and we're trying to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a close. Too many soldiers are dying, and we want to see the money used for rebuilding instead. The previous administration didn't engage with Russia, but I believe if I were president, this war would have never happened. We're providing great equipment to Ukraine, and their soldiers have been incredibly brave. We're going to sign an agreement soon, and I think we're close to a deal to stop the shooting. It's an exciting moment, and I appreciate everyone being here.

There is concern from the Europeans that Zelensky is being bullied into signing something away, which is why European leaders are coming as backup tomorrow. They are coming here tomorrow because we've been working with the Europeans; the president invited them to come. The president told those European leaders last week that he wanted to cease fire, and he said on television he would walk out if Putin didn’t agree, with severe consequences if he didn’t. He spent three hours with Putin and did not get one. Our goal is a peace agreement to end this war. There was enough progress in the talks to move to the next phase. If peace is not possible and the war continues, thousands will die. The president could impose new sanctions, but that would end talks; it will require concessions from both sides.

The Alaska Summit reinforced my belief that while difficult pieces within reach, I believe that in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, and this is one of the key points that we need to consider. We're going to be considering that at the table, also, like who will do what, essentially. I'm optimistic that collectively we can reach an agreement.

It's an honor to have President Zelenskyy here; we've worked closely together for a long time. We've reached a fair deal, giving the U.S. access to rare earth elements and we've had good discussions with Russia to bring the war to a close. President Putin and I are working towards a deal to stop the soldier deaths and rebuild Ukraine. The Biden administration didn't engage with Russia, but if I were president, this war never would have happened. Ukraine's soldiers have been brave, and it's time to end this. We'll sign an agreement soon, aiming for a deal to stop the shooting. I hope that it is a first step to real security guarantees for Ukraine and our people, our children. I hope that America continues to support our freedom, our values, and democracy. I want to stop Putin; he's a killer and terrorist. We spoke about drones and air defense because after the war, we need to know that our nation is secure and we have an air shield.

It's an honor to have President Zelenskyy. We've been working closely together for a long time and have a very fair deal. We're committed to working with Ukraine, and we've had good discussions with Russia. We want to stop the killing and rebuild. The Biden administration didn't speak to Russia, but if I were president, this war would have never happened. Your soldiers have been unbelievably brave, and we've given them great equipment. I give tremendous credit to your generals, soldiers, and yourself. We want to get this over with. We're going to sign the agreement soon and discuss other things. The exciting moment is when the shooting stops and we have a deal, and I think we're fairly close.

For four years, the previous president talked tough about Putin, but Putin still invaded Ukraine. Diplomacy is the path to peace. In 2014, Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, and nobody stopped them. We signed ceasefire agreements, but Russia broke them, killing our people and not exchanging prisoners. I think it's disrespectful to come here and attack the administration that's trying to prevent the destruction of your country. We're thankful for the help we've received, but we've been strong since the beginning. We've been alone, but you haven't been alone. We have problems because of the war, and the US will feel it in the future, too. We're gambling with World War III. If you could get a ceasefire right now, you take it. You don't have the cards.

We believe our sanctions and the threat of more sanctions played a role in Yanukovych leaving office. We've been actively involved in supporting the new government, and the US has been seen as a friend in helping this transition happen peacefully. This is about supporting Ukraine in determining its own future. While it might seem like a US versus Russia situation, it's about supporting Ukraine's wishes. The US also has an economic interest, as Ukraine's potential inclusion in the EU could greatly benefit our trade agreement with Europe. Yanukovych lost legitimacy by using force against peaceful protests. Foreign leaders were there to stand up for the right to protest. While some radical elements exist within the opposition, the movement largely rejects those ideas. We're confident the new government will be inclusive, and we'll work to ensure those radical elements don't dominate.

The speaker notes that they are not the pen pal but the phone pal of Poroshenko and Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and now the speaker themselves. For the last four years, they have been on the phone two to three hours a week with those folks. There is an overwhelming instinct in Europe to say, before you guys became president, this was owned by Russia anyway. They ask, what difference does it make? Why are you making us engage in these sanctions? The speaker recalls last year, they were authorized to say they’d do the second tranche of a billion dollars, and he didn’t fire his chief prosecutor. Because the speaker has the confidence of the president, they were there. They said, “I’m not signing it. Until you fire him, we’re not signing it.” They clarified, “We’re not doing it.” Until you form a new government and you actually bring in someone who will move on this, they’re not playing. It’s not because they’re trying to play hardball, but because they know if they give an excuse to the EU, there are at least five countries right now that want to say, wooah, want out. What they are putting together now is a basic detailed road map of who goes first and who goes second. There are two pieces: one is the security guarantees that are to flow from Russia, and two, the political steps that Ukraine has to take. Some of the steps are very difficult to take. They’ve already done the energy piece, they’ve done some other things, but the point is that when you say the dumb boss is gonna have a special status and you’re gonna amend your constitution, it’s like saying, okay, you know, Texas and Wyoming—Texas is gonna have a special status that we don’t want because we want Mexico to have more influence in Texas. And we’re gonna pass that through the United States Congress. So there are some really tough stuff they’ve gotta do. They’re willing, and the speaker is convinced they will do it.

I have regular phone calls with Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk, discussing Europe's reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia. Last year, I withheld a billion-dollar tranche until Ukraine fired its chief prosecutor. We are creating a roadmap for Ukraine's political steps and security guarantees from Russia. Ukraine has made progress in energy, but faces challenges like granting special status to regions. I believe they will succeed.

I am not the pen pal, but the phone pal of Poroshenko and Arseny Yacineuk and now the speaker. For the past 4 years, I have been on the phone with them for 2 to 3 hours a week. Some in Europe argue that Russia already controlled Ukraine before these presidents came into power, so why bother with sanctions? Last year, I was authorized to say that we would provide $1 billion, but only if the chief prosecutor was fired. We are not playing games, we know that if we give the EU an excuse, at least 5 countries will want to leave. We are working on a detailed roadmap for Ukraine's political steps and security guarantees from Russia. It won't be easy, but I am convinced they will do it.

Speaker 0: "You know there is concern from the Europeans that president Zelensky is going to be bullied into signing something away." "That’s why you have these European leaders coming as backup tomorrow." Speaker 1: "It isn't. ... They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied." He adds: "We've had one meeting with Putin and, like, a dozen meetings with Zelensky." "We've been working with these people for weeks." "They're coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow." He notes "there was enough progress" to "move to the next phase" and "enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelensky and the Europeans." On sanctions, he says: "If peace is not gonna be possible here... the president has that option to then come in and impose new sanctions. But if he did this now, ... that's the end of the talks." "We wanna wind up with a peace deal that ends this war" and "It will require both sides to make concessions."

So, back in 2014, Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, and nobody stopped them. From 2014 to 2022, people kept dying, despite our conversations and signed ceasefire deals with Macron and Merkel. Russia broke the ceasefire, killed our people, and didn't exchange prisoners. What kind of diplomacy is that? It's disrespectful to come here and complain when the US is trying to prevent the destruction of Ukraine. You're drafting conscripts because of manpower issues. Be thankful for our help. Everyone has problems during war. We're staying strong in our country. From the start, we've been alone, but we are thankful. We want to stop the war, but we need guarantees for any ceasefire. Don't ask about ceasefires, ask about our people.

I see the hatred for Putin, which makes a deal tough. I want to get this settled and align with Europe. I could be tougher, but that won't get a deal done. We had a president who talked tough, but Putin still invaded. Diplomacy is the path to peace. Putin occupied parts of Ukraine in 2014, and nobody stopped him. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke them, killing our people and not exchanging prisoners. What kind of diplomacy are we talking about? It's disrespectful to litigate this here. You should be thanking me for trying to bring this to a conference.

I have been in regular contact with Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk over the past four years, spending 2 to 3 hours weekly on the phone. There's a strong sentiment in Europe questioning the need for sanctions against Ukraine, given its past under Russian influence. Last year, I withheld a $1 billion aid tranche until Ukraine fired its chief prosecutor, emphasizing the importance of forming a new government committed to reform. We are developing a roadmap outlining security guarantees from Russia and necessary political steps for Ukraine, which include difficult constitutional amendments. These changes are essential to prevent any EU member states from seeking to withdraw from sanctions. Ukraine has already made progress in areas like energy, and I believe they are willing to undertake the necessary reforms.

Russia occupied parts of Ukraine, including Crimea, starting in 2014. During the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations, no one stopped him as people died on the contact line. In 2019, I signed a ceasefire deal with Macron, Merkel, and him, but he broke it, killing people and not exchanging prisoners. We need diplomacy to end the destruction of Ukraine. We have problems during the war, like everyone else. We are staying strong and thankful for the support, but we are not winning. You have given us billions of dollars in military equipment. I have said thank you many times to the American people. We want to stop the war, but we want a ceasefire with guarantees. Ask our people about a ceasefire. Obama gave us sheets, but Trump gave us javelins. Without your support, we have no cards.

It's tough to make a deal with the hatred some people have for Putin, but the other side isn't exactly in love with him either. I want to see this situation resolved and am aligned with Europe on this. I could be tougher than anyone, but that won't get us a deal. We had a president who talked tough about Putin, but then Putin invaded Ukraine. Diplomacy is the path to peace, not chest-thumping. Putin occupied parts of Ukraine back in 2014, and nobody stopped him. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts with him, but he broke the ceasefire and didn't exchange prisoners. What kind of diplomacy is that? I'm talking about diplomacy that ends the destruction. It's disrespectful to come here and attack the administration trying to prevent the destruction of your country.

The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that “president Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine,” a key point to consider. “I'm optimistic that, collectively, we can reach an agreement that would deter any future aggression against Ukraine,” though I also note, “I actually think there won't be. I think that's even over overrated, largely overrated.” European nations are gonna take a lot of the burden; “we're gonna help them, and we're gonna make it very secure.” We also need to discuss “the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact.” That means “the war zone, the war lines that are pretty obvious, very sad, actually, to look at them.” The next step: “a trilateral meeting, and that will be worked out.” “I have a feeling you and president Putin are gonna work something out.” Ultimately, Zelensky and the Ukrainian people, with Putin, must decide. “I'll set up a meeting with President Putin.” “All of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire … maybe something like that could happen.” “As of this moment, it's not happening.” “I believe a peace agreement … is very attainable,” and “The next step would be for a trilateral meeting, and that will be worked out.”

I'm aligned with the US and the world, and I want to end this conflict. It's hard to make a deal with so much hatred. I could be tough, but that won't get us anywhere. For four years, tough talk didn't stop Putin. Diplomacy is the path to peace. Others didn't stop Putin from occupying parts of Ukraine since 2014. We signed ceasefire and gas contracts, but he broke them, killing people and not exchanging prisoners. I am trying to end the destruction of your country. Everyone has problems during war, even you. You've allowed yourself to be in a bad position. You're gambling with lives and World War III, and that's disrespectful to the US. You haven't said thank you, and campaigned against us. Your country is in trouble and not winning. If we are out, you will be fighting on your own.

I'm thankful to the American people, President Trump, and Congress for the support you've given us these last three years. We are strategic partners, and we need to be honest with each other to stop Putin. I respect President Trump's desire to end this war, but no one wants it more than we do. We need him and our European partners to pressure Putin. I respect President Trump and the American people, and I don't believe we've done anything wrong. We need to openly discuss Ukraine's position. We are ready to sign the minerals deal as a first step towards security guarantees, but it’s not enough. I wanted to share my thoughts with the President because this is sensitive for our people, who want to know America is on our side. I want a just and lasting peace with security guarantees.