Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated he would attend the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Miami this December if Russian President Vladimir Putin is present. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of dialogue focused on outcomes rather than words during an exclusive interview with DW.
The two leaders have not met since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Although Moscow has yet to confirm Putin’s attendance at the G20 summit, he has been absent from G20 meetings since 2019.
Focus on Results Over Words
Zelenskyy responded affirmatively when asked about meeting Putin at the summit, stating it was essential to come together, speak, and make decisions. He stressed that the content of their conversation matters less than achieving tangible results. “It’s not about words. What I will tell him or what he wants to tell me, it doesn’t matter. Results matter. That’s it,” Zelenskyy said.
Security Needs and Military Support
In the interview, Zelenskyy also addressed Ukraine’s urgent requirements for defense systems ahead of winter. He highlighted difficulties in countering Russian drone attacks and called for increased shipments of Patriot missiles from U.S. and European allies. Zelenskyy noted that Russia produces around 140 ballistic missiles monthly, requiring NATO to provide double that number in interceptors to neutralize the threat. He acknowledged that even 100-120 missiles monthly would be a challenging but necessary support level for Ukraine during the colder months.
Germany recently announced it would provide Patriot missiles from its national reserves, although details remain unspecified. Zelenskyy urged European nations to deliver the maximum possible assistance to help save Ukrainian lives.
Advancing Negotiations and Strategic Priorities
Zelenskyy welcomed the visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv as a positive sign. He expressed confidence in Ukraine’s strengthened position for negotiations, citing heavy Russian military losses—estimated at more than 30,000 soldiers per month—and the high cost Moscow faces for limited territorial gains.
Regarding broader conflict resolution, Zelenskyy identified energy and grain shipments as crucial priorities. Moscow’s de facto blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports in the Odesa region has caused a 76% year-on-year drop in Ukrainian grain exports for August. The president discussed the possibility of an energy and grain ceasefire as an initial step that could pave the way for peace talks.
