Over 40% of Ukrainian forces' weapons domestically produced, Zelensky says
"The trend is unchanged: Ukraine will do more and more (weapons) to guarantee its security — on its own and together with partners," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine-US talks on minerals deal going 'in a positive mood,' Zelensky says
"When the teams are ready, they will present what they have worked out. So far, both sides have ended the meetings in a positive mood," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Rutte visits military hospital in Odesa, reaffirms support for Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Odesa on April 15 and visited a local military hospital alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Our readers' questions about the war, answered. Vol. 8
Editor's note: We asked members of the Kyiv Independent community to share the questions they have about the war. Here's what they asked and how we answered. Join our community to ask a question in the next round. Question: Is Ukraine formulating a plan to receive and house refugees from
Vance accuses Zelensky of 'absurd' criticism of siding with Russia
"I think it's sort of absurd for (President Volodymyr) Zelensky to tell the (American) government, which is currently keeping his entire government and war effort together, that we are somehow on the side of the Russians," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.
Zelensky's 'always looking to purchase missiles' — Trump dismisses Ukraine's request to buy Patriots
"You don't start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
Ukraine ready to buy 10 Patriot systems for $15 billion, Zelensky says
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had made the offer directly to U.S. President Donald Trump and previously raised it with former President Joe Biden's administration.
Putin may provoke world war by seizing NATO territory if not stopped in Ukraine, Zelensky warns
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-term objective is to restore a Russian empire that would include parts of NATO member states.
Zelensky invites Trump to Ukraine, says 'Russian narratives are prevailing in US'
"Putin's ultimate goal is to revive the Russian Empire and reclaim territories currently under NATO protection... Considering all of this, I believe it could escalate into a world war," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
'They are not afraid' — Zelensky calls for increased international pressure after Russian attack on Sumy
"This Friday marked exactly one month since Russia spurned the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. They are not afraid...Only pressure – only decisive action – can change this."
Zelensky imposes sanctions on 4 pro-Russian politicians, businessmen
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions on four politicians and prominent business figures on April 12.
Ukraine ready to buy more air defense systems, Zelensky says
Zelensky said he addressed the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump and with Ukraine's allies at the Ramstein summit in Brussels, which he joined virtually from Kryvyi Rih.
Zelensky slaps sanctions on war propagandists, Russian shadow fleet
The sanctions lists include 71 people and 18 propaganda outlets spreading Russian propaganda. Fifty-nine more people are on the list targeting the so-called shadow fleet, including two Chinese captains.
'Several hundred' Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says
"Putin was not satisfied with soldiers from North Korea. Now he is trying to cover his shortages by pulling in yet another nation — the Chinese," the president said.
'Today we will pledge billions' for Ukraine — allies begin Ramstein-format meeting in Brussels
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky would join the meeting, co-chaired by Germany and the U.K., through a video conference, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told journalists.
Zelensky announces sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” during his nightly address on April 10.
Ambassador Brink leaves post due to disagreements with Trump administration, FT reports
Brink's decision to leave was not influenced by her working relationship with Zelensky, sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times.
China denies role in war against Ukraine, urges Kyiv to temper rhetoric
"The Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflicts, and in particular avoid participation in any party's military operations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
Temporary ceasefire will pressure Russia, more talks on the way, Zelensky says
"I believe that certain time limits will provide opportunities to put pressure on Russia. If you have a ceasefire for an unclear period — it is a frozen conflict," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Ukraine war latest: Russia's spring offensive 'already begun;' over 160 Chinese nationals fight against Ukraine
Key developments on April 9: * Over 160 Chinese nationals fight for Russia in Ukraine, obtained documents show * Russia's spring offensive has "effectively already begun," Syrskyi says * Ukraine open to buy US military aid package for $50 billion, Zelensky says * Russian military airfield reportedly targeted in mass drone attack At least
Zelensky: Ukraine ready for minerals deal with US, but only on equal terms
The president stressed that Ukraine is ready to contribute its land and resources, but expects the U.S. to bring in technologies and capital.
Ukraine open to buying US military aid package for $50 billion, Zelensky says
"We handed over to the American side a large package that we want to buy. To buy in one form or another," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
'Morons and crooks' — Ukrainian-born US lawmaker slams media, Zelensky after controversial remarks
"Unfortunately, if you have morons and crooks like Zelensky and his puppet parliament running your country, it's a lost cause. Putin might be evil, but he is not a moron," Rep. Victoria Spartz said.
Ukraine war latest: Kyiv captured 2 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says
Key developments on April 8: * Ukraine captured 2 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says * Russian forces sometimes outnumber Ukraine 10 to 1 in Lyman sector, military says * More Patriot systems for Ukraine the "best support" from US right now, Zelensky says * Belgium to provide Ukraine with $1-billion defense package
More Patriot systems for Ukraine the 'best support' from US right now, Zelensky says
New Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine could be the strongest sign of U.S. support, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 8, just days after Russia's deadly missile attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih.
Belgium to provide Ukraine with $1-billion defense package
The funds will be used to purchase arms and strengthen Ukraine's defense sector, including the production of new types of weapons.
Ukraine captured 2 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says
"We have information that there are much more than two such Chinese citizens in the occupier's units," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
'We will not look away' — Belgian PM visits Bucha
The Kremlin has long-used Bucha in state propaganda, denying the extensively documented crimes committed by Russian forces.
Ukraine to increase drone, robotics production, Zelensky says
In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine will increase production for the "full range of drones: from Mavics to long-range drones."
Ukrainian army present in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, Zelensky confirms
We continue to conduct active operations in border areas on enemy territory, and this is absolutely just — the war must return to where it came from," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 7.
Zelensky approves appointments of new ambassadors, ex-Prosecutor General among them
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed new ambassadors to seven countries on April 7. The appointments include Andriy Kostin, Ukraine's former Prosecutor General, who resigned in October 2024 amid a major corruption scandal.
Ukrainian-born US lawmaker says Ukraine should cede land to Russia, demand Zelensky's resignation
Victoria Spartz also accused Zelensky of "insulting the American president" and doing a "disservice to the Ukrainian people."
President Volodymyr Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky has been president of Ukraine since 2019. Born in Kryvyi Rih, an industrial city in central Ukraine, Zelensky was known as a media personality and actor before becoming Ukraine’s sixth president.
The 46-year-old’s transformation into a wartime leader saw his approval ratings rise from 37% before the full-scale invasion, to 90% in May 2022. His approval rating fell to 62% by the end of 2023.
Zelensky's five-year term officially ended in May 2024 but he remains president while martial law, enacted after the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, is in place. A February 2024 poll indicated that almost 70% of Ukrainians agree that Zelensky should remain in office and elections should be postponed until martial law is lifted.
Learn more about President Volodymyr Zelensky
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