Photo: AP
After returning from London, where he met on Dec. 8 with the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky answered questions from journalists via voice messages in a chat run by the presidential office.
Responding to a query from The Insider about Ukraine’s missile program, Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv’s forces are already using several types of domestically produced missiles.
“Ukraine today is already using the Neptune and the long-range Neptune, the Palyanytsia, the Flamingo, as well as the Sapsan. I’ll be honest — we’ve started. And I will not talk about the amount,” he said.
Zelensky explained he was being cautious so as not to reveal details to the enemy, saying that the Neptune “works well,” and that Russia often attributes its use to other systems — “and let them keep thinking so,” he added.
The Insider’s question came against the backdrop of a scandal surrounding the company Firepoint, which until recently belonged to associates of Tymur Mindich, a close friend of Zelensky’s who is at the center of a massive corruption scandal. In August the company promised to launch a Flamingo missile with a one-ton warhead and a range of 3,000 kilometers, but despite massive funding, there has been no evidence of successful strikes — only fragmentary reports from Russia about debris found near the border. By contrast, the Neptune proved its effectiveness in 2022 by sinking the Russian cruiser Moskva.
What Zelensky told other outlets in the chat:
On the peace plan: Work with the Americans and Europeans continues daily. There are three documents — a 20-point framework that is constantly changing, a document on security guarantees, and an economic recovery plan.
On Italy’s role: The meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was important because she has personal contact with Trump, and Italy has consistently supported Ukraine with various aid packages.
On the negotiation schedule: Near-daily discussions are planned between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, including a leader-level online meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” and talks with the U.S. side next week.
On a possible trip to the United States: Ukraine is ready to meet U.S. leaders on any date. Talks could take place this week or next.
On frozen Russian assets: This is partly a security issue for Ukraine, and if the reparations-loan format fails, other formats of similar scale will be sought.
On elections in Ukraine: Zelensky said he is ready to hold elections if the U.S. and Europe help ensure security. He asked lawmakers to prepare legal changes to allow voting under martial law, including provisions to allow soldiers on the front line to participate. If those criteria are met, “Ukraine will be ready for elections in 10 days.”
On differences between European and U.S. plans: It is important that provisions specific to Europe — such as financial aid, EU membership, and the utilization of frozen Russian assets — be accepted by the European side.
On an “energy ceasefire”: Ukraine is always ready if Russia stops its strikes on the Ukrainian energy system.
On NATO membership: The United States is not yet ready to see Ukraine in the alliance, but bilateral security guarantees from Washington are being discussed for something “like Article 5.”
On Russia’s intentions: There is no sign Moscow is interested in a peace process, and its strikes on energy and critical infrastructure continue.
On territorial demands: The idea of ceding territory originated with Russia, not the United States. Ukraine will defend its interests, and the U.S. is acting as a mediator.