Zelensky and Biden Talks: Putin, Reforms and Threat of Russian Invasion

The phone call lasted an hour and a half.

On December 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call that lasted an hour and a half. Here are the main points. 

What Yermak said

Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak said on the program "Pravo na vlast" that, as has already become a tradition, conversations between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine take place in a very frank and direct atmosphere. The conversation itself lasted nearly 1.5 hours. 

The presidents began their talks with the most important matter: Biden told Zelensky about his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yermak decided to share the points that "are of great interest to everyone." 

Andriy Yermak
head of the Office of the President

Well, first of all, Biden very frankly told Putin and warned him of all the consequences if the Kremlin decides to escalate near Ukraine's borders and invade Ukrainian territory. Biden said very clearly that together with partners they are ready for unprecedented sanctions. Second, Biden stated very clearly that the decision to join NATO is solely a decision of the Ukrainian people, that this is a sovereign independent state, and that he was not prepared to discuss this issue. It depends on Ukraine and NATO members. 

According to him, Biden reiterated to Putin that any negotiations and decisions concerning Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine. The U.S. president confirmed that the country will provide all necessary assistance so that Ukraine has the ability to repel any attack at any time. 

Volodymyr Zelensky raised issues related to both Nord Stream 2 and the warnings Ukraine received from colleagues in the United States, Britain and other countries, concerning not only escalation at the borders but also internal destabilization. 

Yermak added that the phone call between the presidents was "very warm, very frank," and at the end Biden said: "I am sure that you, Mr. President, have the capabilities, and I believe that you will do what no one before you has done in the country. Because I have a special attitude toward your country, I love it very much, I respect it very much, and I very much believe in its success." 

Zelensky's comment

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he also discussed the situation in the so-called DPR and LPR with the U.S. president. 

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

He concluded the hour-and-a-half conversation with the President of the United States, Joseph Biden. The U.S. president briefed me on the content of his talks with Vladimir Putin. We also discussed possible formats for settling the conflict in Donbas. 

According to him, he and Biden "touched on the progress of internal reforms in Ukraine." 

The Office of the President reported that Zelensky thanked Biden for consistent, firm and resolute support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The President of Ukraine confirmed his unwavering commitment to seeking ways to achieve peace in Donbas, and the sides coordinated their positions on further steps in this direction.

The leaders also discussed ways to support Ukraine in security, financial and political terms in countering the ongoing hybrid aggression.