Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies to act quickly as he prepares to visit the United States next week. He will meet President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Furthermore, Zelenskyy wants the US to impose tougher sanctions on Russia.
Speaking on Saturday, he said, “If the war continues and there are no moves towards peace, we expect sanctions.” He warned that further measures will follow if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to hold face-to-face talks or agree to a ceasefire.
Frustration Over Delays
Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the slow pace of Western action. During a press briefing in Kyiv, he explained that tying US sanctions to European moves is delaying pressure on Putin. He added, “President Trump expects strong action from Europe. I think we are wasting a lot of time if sanctions are not imposed or some steps are not taken, that we very much expect from him [Trump].”
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia continue to buy Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, making them the last EU countries with energy ties to Moscow. Therefore, Zelenskyy called on “the whole of Europe” to join sanctions and said the US could push European nations to act. He noted that Slovakia’s pro-Russian government would likely respond to American pressure, saying, “Everyone is looking to the United States.”
Open to Talks with Putin
Zelenskyy said he is willing to meet Putin, either one-on-one or in a trilateral format with Trump present. However, the Kremlin insisted that the “root causes” of the conflict must be addressed first.
Goals for New York Trip
In the US, Zelenskyy will seek details on the security guarantees the United States could offer as part of a peace settlement. He mentioned that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the issue with Trump during his state visit to the UK and talks at Chequers.
Additionally, Zelenskyy said his wife, Olena Zelenska, will likely meet First Lady Melania Trump in New York. They may discuss the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. Reports suggest Melania has been more sympathetic to Kyiv than President Trump, who criticised Zelenskyy during their February Oval Office meeting.
Rising Tensions in Europe
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump comes as Russian actions escalate in Europe. On Friday, three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, therefore increasing tensions just before the UN General Assembly.