Dialogos

Zelensky: Kyiv Discussed Potential Troop Deployment with US – Strikes in Odesa, Pivdennyi, and Chornomorsk

Published December 30, 2025, 19:04
Zelensky: Kyiv Discussed Potential Troop Deployment with US – Strikes in Odesa, Pivdennyi, and Chornomorsk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv discussed the potential deployment of US troops in Ukraine with the United States, as part of security guarantees. Zelensky reiterated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba reported that Russia carried out attacks on infrastructure in the Odesa region, damaging a Panama-flagged grain-carrying commercial vessel and facilities in the ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk. One person was injured in the attacks. Kuleba described the attacks as targeted attempts by Russia to disrupt the supply chain and hinder shipping. However, he assured that the ports continue to operate despite the attacks. Odesa and the surrounding ports are vital for Ukraine's foreign trade and economic survival. Recent months have seen an escalation in the naval war between Ukraine and Russia, with mutual attacks on ships and port infrastructure. Ukraine is increasingly using its maritime drones to attack Russian-linked vessels, while Russia has intensified its attacks on the city of Odesa and its port infrastructure.