Zelensky says that Ukraine "needs weapons and NATO's invitation" before talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that his country needed security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.

He made the comments after meeting the EU's new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and EU Council chief Antonio Costa, who were visiting Kiev in a show of support on their first day in office. Telegraph.

"An invitation to Ukraine to join NATO is a necessary thing for our survival," Zelensky said in a press conference with Costa.

Ukraine faces a tough winter ahead, with Russia launching devastating attacks against its power grid.

Questions are also swirling about the future of US support once Donald Trump takes the presidency in January, with fears he could force Kiev to make painful concessions in pursuit of a quick peace deal.

Zelensky said his country should be in a "strong position" ahead of any talks with the Kremlin, calling for "steps forward with NATO" and a "good number" of long-range weapons to be protected.

"Only when we have all this and we are strong, after that, we should make the very important agenda of meeting with one or the other of the killers", said the Ukrainian leader, adding that the EU and NATO should be included in any negotiations .

While Costa said that the European Union will give Ukraine its "unwavering" support.

"We have stood with you since the first day of this war of aggression, and you can count on us to continue to stand with you," he told Zelensky.

The European Union's new leadership team is keen to show it remains firm in its support for Kiev at a perilous moment for Ukraine nearly three years into its fight against Russian occupation. /Telegraph/