Mr. Zelensky criticized the Biden administration for delaying military aid.

According to RT on December 18, President Zelensky emphasized that Kiev has not received much from Washington and that the US is currently going through a "transitional period".

“They are now increasing the number of measures, the number of aid packages, the budget. It is a pity that they are increasing this at the end of the term,” Mr. Zelensky said.

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader said that he was in contact with President-elect Donald Trump. However, according to Mr. Zelensky, this is “just an acquaintance”, and Mr. Trump, from the point of view of legal capabilities, will not be responsible for many things before officially taking office.

White House strategic communications coordinator John Kirby said that providing weapons to Kiev could help Mr. Zelensky gain a position in negotiations.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference on December 17 (Washington time), commenting on President-elect Donald Trump's statement that Mr. Zelensky should prepare for an agreement, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the US believes that no one can dictate to Ukraine when to start negotiations to resolve the conflict.

“No one outside of Ukraine can dictate to Ukraine when they enter negotiations,” Miller said. According to Miller, Kiev has “the right to make decisions” about the negotiations, so no one in the world can force Ukraine to start negotiations.