Volodymyr Zelensky

The U.S.

says it applies only to Russian oil already in transit and will not help Russia much financially.

Speaking to reporters in Paris, Zelensky said that's not the case.

This single concession by the United States could provide Russia with approximately $10 billion to fund the war, Zelensky said.

This certainly does not bring us any closer to peace.

Zelensky spoke alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who said there is no justification for lifting these sanctions.

In a post on social media, Zelensky says Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were also on the call.

Zelensky says he thanked them for their efforts and that they talked about how to handle sticking points in negotiations.

He says he proposed a series of steps to resolve, quote, complex and sensitive issues, though he does not detail those steps.

Zelensky says Trump endorsed the idea.

The issue of territory remains the most difficult.

The Kremlin wants Ukraine to hand over land in the east that is not occupied by Russia.

Ukraine has refused and is pushing for binding security guarantees so Russia does not invade again.

Joanna Kekises, NPR News, Kyiv.

We didn't lose our country, our independence and freedom.

We have it.

Now we speak in the capital.

Russia is not winning.

This is very important.

And everybody's asking how long we can hold the line and how long we can stay.