Zelensky instructs defence minister to secure precise information on US military assistance, after Trump pause

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 4 he had instructed his defence minister and other officials to secure precise information on military supplies after the United States announced

it was pausing assistance.

"I have instructed Ukraine's minister of defence, intelligence chief and diplomats to contact their counterparts in the United States and obtain official information," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

"People should not be left to guess."

He said maintaining a "normal, partnership relationship with America is crucial for truly ending the war. None of us wants an endless war."

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine sought "constructive cooperation and true partnership" with Washington and again expressed regret over

the acrimonious exchanges

during his meeting last week in the Oval Office in Washington.

"What happened at the White House, instead of our planned negotiations, was regrettable," he said. "But we must find the strength to move forward, respect one another - as we have always respected America."

Mr Zelensky also noted that Russia more than three years into the war had not altered its positions on Ukraine.

"They will demand a reduction of our army, they will want a legal renunciation of our territories and also a significant political deformation of the Ukrainian constitution," he said.

"In reality, as long as we in Ukraine all stand together and strong, as long as we are here, no one will succeed in this. Our peace will be a dignified one." REUTERS