Volodymyr Zelensky

and that his team is working with Trump envoys.

He said Norway's prime minister told him by phone that his country would help put pressure on Russia to end the war.

Speaking to reporters via voice message, Zelensky talked about the most difficult issues in negotiations.

He said the issue of Ukraine's territories remains the hardest, followed by the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, funding for recovery, and technical issues about security guarantees.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual press conference last week that Russia was open to negotiations, but that Russia's goals in this war remain unchanged.

Joanna Kekesis, NPR News, Kyiv.

We have about five years to strengthen our defense because Russia, it is and it will be the permanent threat.

Zelenskyy said he spoke with the White House negotiators, real estate developer Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

In his nightly video address on Sunday, Zelenskyy said the envoys should know the Ukrainian position.

It was a constructive conversation, but not an easy one, he said.

We will continue to work.

Some things can be discussed.

Ukraine remains opposed to giving territory in the east to Russia and is pressing for stronger security guarantees from the U.S.

The Kremlin has not formally endorsed this plan, but is blaming Europe and Ukraine for prolonging the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his negotiators would head to Florida after briefing the Europeans on the U.S.-Russian talks.

Russia continues to press on the battlefield in an effort to improve its position at the negotiating table.

The Kremlin claims to have taken the eastern city of Pokrovsk.

after a year and a half of brutal fighting and heavy losses.

Ukraine denies the claim.

In a statement on X, Zelensky said there is now a real opportunity to end the war.