Zelensky says Ukraine ready to freeze front lines but rejects territorial concessions

KIEV, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to freeze combat operations along the existing frontlines to bring a swift end to the conflict, while firmly rejecting territorial concessions.

In an interview with ABC News on Friday, Zelensky expressed willingness to reach a ceasefire deal but rejected proposals to give up 25 percent of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky also expressed regret over the recent decline in U.S. military assistance, saying Ukraine had received only 24 interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems from the United States over the past three months, far below its average monthly requirement of 350. He underscored the urgency of the situation, saying 30 ballistic missiles struck Kiev on Thursday night alone.

Meanwhile, U.S. media have reported increased pressure from Washington on Zelensky to make concessions to secure a peace agreement, with U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly blaming Kiev for the lack of progress in U.S.-brokered talks.

Trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, in the first half of November, with a focus on security arrangements for Russia and Ukraine following a peace settlement, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.