Ukraine has categorically stated to the United States that it will not accept any restrictions on the size or readiness of its armed forces. This was confirmed by the deputy chief of staff of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pavlo Palisa, News.bg reports.
The statement was made against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a peace agreement to end the war with Russia.
Ukraine's position comes as a response to Russia's conditions for ending the conflict, which include restrictions on the size of the Ukrainian army, refusal to join NATO and recognition of Russian control over the four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow.
"This is a principled position of Ukraine – "No one, and certainly not the aggressor country Russia, will dictate to Ukraine what armed forces it should have," Palisa said in an interview with "Reuters". He stressed that a well-prepared army is the best guarantee of Ukraine's security in the event of a possible ceasefire or peace agreement.
Palisa participated in a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia last month, at which Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire. Washington then resumed military aid and intelligence exchanges with Kiev. However, Russia insists on "certain conditions" before a real ceasefire, and both sides accuse each other of violating an informal agreement not to attack energy infrastructure.
A new round of talks between Kiev and Washington is expected next week. Ukrainian authorities have already provided evidence of Russian attacks on the energy grid, Palisa assured.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army is facing an intensified Russian offensive in the northeast of the country. According to Palisa, the main pressure will be directed at the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, as Russia seeks to surround it and consolidate its control over the region. Other potential areas of attack include the areas around Kupyansk, Lyman, Zaporizhia and Novopavlivka.
Amid uncertainty about the future of American military aid, Kiev is expressing concerns about the supply of missiles for the Patriot, HIMARS and ATACMS systems. However, the country is actively investing in the development of its own air defense, with several countries already providing licenses and technical documentation for local production of military equipment.
Palisa added that Ukraine will not recognize Russian sovereignty over the captured territories, even if it is not possible to restore them by force. The US has not yet provided formal guarantees for the country's security, although some European powers are discussing the possibility of creating a "coalition of the willing" to deploy troops for deterrence.