Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had a“productive“ conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump, CNN reports.

“We cannot yet know what his specific actions will be. But we hope that America will become stronger,” Zelensky said on Thursday. “This is the kind of America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs.”

The Ukrainian president reiterated his message that Kyiv will pursue “peace through strength” rather than concessions of territory or neutrality.

“It is up to Ukraine to decide what should and should not be on the agenda for ending this war,” he added. “Any country, any leader who respects international law and sits at this table should understand that predators always demand more and more.”

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...