Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged US President Donald Trump to take a clear and firm position on sanctions against Russia. He also called for strong security guarantees for Ukraine.

According to Zelenskyy, these steps are essential to stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin and ending the conflict. During an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy stressed that the war can only end if there are binding agreements that ensure Ukraine’s safety.

Ukraine Looks to US and UK for Support

Furthermore, Zelenskyy expressed hope that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer would raise the issue of Ukraine’s long-term security during Trump’s visit to Britain this week.

“I very much hope he (Starmer) will be able to have a very specific discussion on the security guarantees of the US for Ukraine,” he said.

He added, “Before we end the war, I really want to have all the agreements in place. I want to… have a document that is supported by the US and all European partners. This is very important.”

Moreover, Zelenskyy emphasized that these agreements depend on Trump’s commitment. “To make this happen, we need a clear position of President Trump,” he stated.

Zelenskyy Demands Strong US Action

In addition, Zelenskyy urged Trump to take “strong personal steps” to “stop Putin.” His appeal came after Trump asked NATO allies to stop importing Russian oil and impose tariffs on China to pressure Moscow.

“I believe that the US is strong enough to take decisions of their own,” Zelenskyy said. “I believe Donald Trump can give us air defence systems in quantity and US has enough.”

He further added, “I’m sure the US can apply enough sanctions in order to hurt the Russian economy, plus Donald Trump has enough force to make Putin afraid of him.”

According to Zelenskyy, Europe has already introduced 18 sanctions packages against Russia. However, he said, the effort remains incomplete without a strong US-led sanctions package.

Criticism of Trump-Putin Summit

Earlier in the interview, Zelenskyy also criticized the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. He claimed Trump “gave a lot to Putin” during the meeting but argued that “he should have paid more” in return. This remark highlighted Zelenskyy’s concerns about how Trump handles direct negotiations with the Russian leader.

Russia Tests NATO’s Resolve

Meanwhile, tensions grew after a Russian drone incursion over Poland prompted British fighter jets to scramble in response.

As a result, Zelenskyy warned that Putin is testing NATO’s strength and unity.
“He’s testing Nato,” Zelenskyy said.

He explained, “He wants to see what Nato is ready for, what they’re capable of, both diplomatically and politically, and how the local population will respond to this.”

Additionally, Zelenskyy said Russia is sending another message to Western nations:
“Don’t you dare to give Ukraine additional air defence systems, because you might need them yourself.”

Trump’s State Visit to the UK

Later today, Trump will arrive in the UK for his second state visit at the invitation of King Charles. During the visit, Trump and First Lady Melania will stay at Windsor Castle. The trip will include a flypast by the Red Arrows and UK and US F-35 fighter jets.

Afterward, there will be a formal Beating Retreat military ceremony. Subsequently, Trump will travel to Chequers, Prime Minister Starmer’s official residence, for private talks. However, the agenda remains undisclosed, leaving it unclear whether the war in Ukraine will be discussed.