Zelenskyy highlights key presidential priorities: defence, investment, reforms

At a recent press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted key priorities for the Office of the President, including strengthening national defence, attracting foreign investment, and implementing reforms.

Zelenskyy noted that the Office currently has no single candidate responsible for economic policy, Caliber.Az reports, citing UNIAN.

Instead, he appointed two advisors: Oksana Markarova, who will oversee specific economic recovery projects, and Chrystia Freeland, tasked with attracting foreign investors. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Ukraine’s security on all fronts—air, sea, and land—with particular focus on air defence systems and military funding.

Prisoner exchanges remain a critical issue. Zelenskyy said Kirill Budanov, appointed head of the Presidential Office, will continue working on this, noting that recent exchanges have slowed due to Russia’s attempts to use the issue as leverage. He also refrained from providing details on potential Cabinet changes, including the possible reassignment of Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for the Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba.

On security guarantees, Zelenskyy stressed that negotiations with international partners are ongoing, but details about countries willing to provide guarantees and the deployment of foreign forces are not yet disclosed. He added that these guarantees must be legally formalised in the parliaments of the “willing coalition” countries. Regarding elections, Zelenskyy said February voting would only be possible after signing a 20-point plan with the United States and an accompanying security and reconstruction package.

Addressing arms supplies, the president noted that no new systems have yet arrived from the US, though missile deliveries continue, albeit at a slower pace than desired. Ukraine plans to accelerate this process. Zelenskyy also expressed hope to meet soon with Donald Trump to discuss extending security guarantees for Ukraine beyond 15 years.

He thanked Norway for its support, without commenting further.

Regarding Russia’s readiness for peace talks, Zelenskyy said: “For now, Russia is turning up its nose, but we have strong partners who can change that if they choose.” He emphasised that the best security guarantee is a strong, fully equipped army.

“We have good results, but not everything is complete. The US has the tools and knows how to apply pressure when it wants. For example, Maduro—did they act quickly? Yes. The world saw it. Imagine if they did the same with Kadyrov—maybe Putin would think twice,” Zelenskyy stated.

By Jeyhun Aghazada