Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 'Ukraine most interested in peace' as he confirms US talks next week

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is due to hold talks with European leaders on Friday about Ukraine.

The prime minister and French President Emmanuel Macron are seeking countries willing to supply troops for a peacekeeping force to defend a potential deal. The suggested agreement has already been rejected by Russia.

In his nightly address on Thursday, the Ukrainian president said his country was "most interested in peace".

He also appeared to signal relations between the US and Ukraine were getting back on track after his disastrous White House visit - saying talks will take place in Saudi Arabia, but suggested he would not be part of those discussions.

The Ukrainian president said: "I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the crown prince.

"After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace."

He added: "As we told President Trump, Ukraine is working and will work exclusively constructively for a quick and reliable peace."

It comes around a week after the public row between the two men in the Oval Office. It has been followed this week by America freezing military aid to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in an exchange with reporters on Thursday, the US president said his administration had made "a lot of progress" in recent days with both Ukraine and Russia, but did not specify further.

"I think what's going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal, because I don't think they have a choice," Mr Trump said.

"I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way - a different way that only I know, only I know - they have no choice either."

Earlier on Thursday, Steve Witkoff, a senior US official, praised a letter sent from Mr Zelenskyy to Mr Trump as a "positive first step" following their unsuccessful meeting.

"We are now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh or even potentially Jeddah," he said. "The city is moving around a little bit, but it will be Saudi Arabia."

Mr Witkoff said Washington was trying to agree on a framework for a possible peace agreement in Ukraine.

It has also been pushing for the signing of a critical minerals deal with Ukraine - but it is unclear if that will be part of the talks next week.

US-UK defence secretaries meet

Defence Secretary John Healey said Mr Trump has "asked Europe to step up, and we are" as he started talks in Washington with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

Mr Hegseth said it was "very encouraging" to see France and the UK say they are prepared to take a leading role.

Sir Keir has been seeking to support Ukraine and show Mr Trump the UK is committed to stepping up its defence efforts - while mooting plans for a peacekeeping force.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the move would amount to the "direct, official and unveiled involvement of NATO members in the war against Russia".

While Andrei Kelin, Russian ambassador to the UK, said in an interview with Sky News' The World With Yalda Hakim, that Russia wanted "quick peace" in Ukraine and the UK was at the "head of those resisting" it.

European leaders meanwhile backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing billions for the continent's security.

The 27 leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their spending.

On Thursday evening, Russia launched a mass drone attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa, damaging energy infrastructure and starting fires, according to a local governor.

-SKY NEWS