Zelensky to attend defense talks in Germany with Biden

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will attend an international meeting to discuss military support for Ukraine to be held in Germany this week.

The meeting at the U.S. air base in Ramstein near Frankfurt is expected to bring together more than 50 of Ukraine's allies, including U.S. President Joe Biden.

"We are preparing for the 25th Ramstein meeting on Oct. 12, which will be the first to take place at the leaders' level," he said on social media.

He would present "clear, concrete steps towards a just end of the war," he said, adding that Russia could be stopped by "the determination of our partners and the strengthening of Ukraine."

Zelensky also attended the last Ramstein meeting in September, pressing for more weapons to repel advancing Russian forces.

The gathering will come at a crucial juncture for Ukraine ahead of the U.S. election next month, which could upend the support that Kiev receives from its biggest backer.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has long been critical of the billions of dollars the United States has given to Ukraine and has echoed Russian talking points about the conflict.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has upped the pressure on its Western supporters for clearance to use donated long-range weapons to strike military targets deep inside Russia.

Russian forces have been advancing steadily in eastern Ukraine this year against outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian troops.

Zelensky in his daily address on Oct. 5 night said he was aiming for "lasting peace and security."

He added: "This is possible only on the basis of international law and without any trade in sovereignty or trade in territories."

Kiev's troops were "demonstrating what Ukrainians can do when they have...