'Russian missiles are getting better, and the Ukrainian air defense system is getting worse. I would very much like to offer some solution. I would like to say what can be done. But I don't know what to do if your adversary uses ballistic missiles and has a stable production - both Kalibrs and many other cruise missiles - and you are running out of air defense missiles. So, frankly, I have no idea what to do in this situation.'

'They tried to shift the emphasis from the current problems of Ukraine to the historical events of 30 years ago - the signing of the Dayton Accords. The American delegation was not as warm as usual. This was in stark contrast to the absolute support of the Europeans, which they expressed to us behind the scenes. This was the first time I encountered this.'

'We have a 22-point plan that we brought back from London, which basically outlines where we want to go. And frankly, we think it's a good plan because neither side likes it. And that, as we know, is a sign of progress - if both sides are unhappy about something. And I'll tell you what he [Trump] needs to do. Just get on with it. It's frustrating - I understand. But the only one who can do it is President Trump.'

'When President Trump spoke to Putin a little over a week ago, the Russians said they would present what they called a 'memorandum'. I call it a 'term sheet'. What does that mean? It's a document that spells out how to achieve peace. The Ukrainian side has already given its version. Now we need to get the same from Russia. And then we put the two documents together, see how we can put it together, determine what is acceptable, what is unacceptable, and where we can find common ground. And when that is ready, there will be another meeting. We think, perhaps, in Geneva. We would like to hold it in the Vatican, and we had everything ready. But the Russians refused to go to the Vatican. So Geneva is probably the next place. And then we can organize a meeting of the three leaders: the US president, Putin and Zelensky - and conclude some document that will end this war.'

'The success of peace talks will directly depend on whether we can eliminate the root causes of the conflict during the talks. Unfortunately, our Ukrainian neighbours do not fulfill the agreements. Their Western patrons not only allow them to do whatever they want, but incite them in every possible way'

'Russia's retaliatory strikes on Ukrainian military facilities are absolutely natural. The criminal must be punished. I can assure you that Zelensky and his junta know very well what they got for'

'I see Brussels trying to disrupt the negotiation process. They are resorting to unprecedented actions, statements, and appeals. European hawks understand that they do not have the strength to continue the war. They are mortally afraid that the US will give up on them and say: 'You started this mess with Biden - go ahead, overcome it.' President Trump has already said that this is not his war. He is interested in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continuing. This was their joint initiative with Putin. European leaders are trying to prevent this, because if the war suddenly stops, they will end their political careers in disgrace'

'Trump doesn't want to solve the problem right here and now. He's trying to move it and hopes that it will solve itself. Or that someone will solve this problem for him. It could be Europe, Russia and Ukraine, or just Russia. Trump has these hopes that the Russians will end the war after achieving their goals.'

"We cannot publicly talk about our plans, our capabilities, but the prospect is clear: to respond in kind to all Russian threats and challenges. They, in Russia, must clearly feel the consequences of what they are doing against Ukraine. This will happen. Attack drones, interceptors, cruise missiles, Ukrainian ballistics are the key elements."