Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he aims to hold a second international conference on Ukraine’s peace plan in November.
Zelenskyy invited journalists from NHK and other media outlets to his news conference in Kyiv on Monday.
Zelenskyy revealed his idea of holding a second peace summit, following the first conference in Switzerland last month. He said he set a goal that Ukraine would have a fully prepared plan by November.
Zelenskyy said Russian representatives should be at the second summit. Russia, however, has said it would not attend a follow-up summit.
It seems that Zelenskyy is contemplating the schedule with the November US presidential election in mind.
He apparently wants Ukraine to lead negotiations on any peace deal.
Zelenskyy faced a barrage of questions from reporters about former US President Donald Trump, who is said to be reluctant to provide support for Ukraine. Zelenskyy said, if Trump is elected US president, Ukraine will work with him.
Zelenskyy also called for more support to protect Ukrainian territory, saying 25 air defense systems are needed to completely cover the nation. Washington last week announced that Ukraine would receive five additional systems, including the Patriot system, from the US, Germany and other countries.