UPDATE - Zelenskyy meets top American, British diplomats in Kyiv

CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; ADDS STATEMENTS FOLLOWING ZELENSKYY'S MEETING

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks late Wednesday in Kyiv with the top diplomats from the US and the UK.

"A very substantive and long conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken @SecBlinken and UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy, during which we discussed all key issues," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Expressing that important arguments from his country are heard, Zelenskyy said it applies to matters including "long-range weapons, the supply of combat brigades on the front lines, and the overall strategy for achieving a just peace."

Zelenskyy said special attention was given to preparations for the second Ukraine peace summit and the steps that will make it effective.

"I am grateful for the unwavering support of our independence, Ukraine’s defense, and the protection of our people’s lives," he added.

Ukraine's presidency said Zelenskyy informed Blinken and Lammy of the situation on the front line with Russia, as well as the priority needs of the military.

Zelenskyy emphasized it is important Ukraine obtains permission to use long-range weapons provided by the US and other partners as soon as possible, it said.

It also said Zelenskyy and Lammy discussed the implementation of a security agreement signed in January, in addition to agreeing on steps to conclude a new bilateral agreement on the "transition to a stronger and deeper partnership."

Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv earlier Wednesday, with Ukrainian media outlets, including state news agency Ukrinform, reporting their arrivals at the Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway station.

The two diplomats held talks with government officials, including their Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, who assumed office last week after Dmytro Kuleba's resignation.