Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Saturday that visiting leaders “should not come here with empty hands.” When asked what he expected from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin‘s visit to Kyiv on Sunday, Zelensky made the remarks.

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“Why is it important for leaders to come to us? I will give you a pragmatic answer; because they should not come here with empty hands. We are waiting not just for presents or cakes; we are expecting specific things and specific weapons,”  Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv.

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“That’s why we will be able to get an agreement with the United States or some part of the package of armament which we agreed before. This is why I believe this is a positive signal,” he added.

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“The same about the leaders of other countries; they know we discussed these things in quietness, as our diplomats say, it’s quiet diplomacy. I don’t like very much, but it exists,” the 44-year-old president said.  

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“We will be happy to see you, but please bring to us the assistance which we discussed, which you have or which you have the opportunity to bring,” Zelensky said, adding, “that’s why the visit from the US is very important.”  

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Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky said that if Russian soldiers kill Ukrainians in the besieged city of Mariupol, or if Russia holds “pseudo” referendums in occupied territory, Ukraine will halt talks with Russia.