Zelenskyy seeks partner funding for contract army, discusses diplomacy and defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a desire for additional international funding to transition the nation's military to a contract-based system, stating that "being a soldier now is dangerous." This appeal comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagements, including discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the potential use of funds from the sale of Roman Abramovich's Chelsea Football Club to bolster Ukraine's air defense, an issue acknowledged as complex. Zelenskyy also held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to explore "available prospects" for diplomacy and a potential end to the conflict. Concurrently, a joint statement from Ukraine and E3 leaders (UK, France, Germany) condemned the "Oreshnik" system and outlined five conditions for a lasting peace, underscoring Europe's role in the settlement. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда