Zelenskiy Meets Trump at UN, Urges Tougher Pressure on Russia

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

United Nations — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, calling for tougher sanctions and stronger pressure on Russia as the war enters its fourth year.

Sitting alongside Trump at the start of their talks, Zelenskiy said he brought “good news” from the battlefield but stressed the urgent need for stronger Western action. “We need more pressure, more sanctions now — from the United States, first of all, and from Europe,” he told reporters.

Earlier in his UN address, Trump threatened new economic measures against Moscow but emphasized that European nations must also halt purchases of Russian energy. He criticized allies who continue to buy Russian oil and gas, arguing it undermines the collective response to the war.

Zelenskiy signaled that sanctions, Western security guarantees, and air defense improvements were central to his discussions with Trump.

Trump has floated the idea of a direct meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially with U.S. involvement, as part of his push to end the war. However, Moscow has dismissed the idea, while Kyiv points to Russia’s maximalist demands as proof of its unwillingness to compromise.

Despite skepticism, Trump described his meeting with Zelenskiy as “important” on a day filled with high-stakes diplomacy.

Kyiv’s expectations of sweeping new U.S. sanctions have dimmed, leading to what diplomats describe as a more pragmatic approach. Unlike the tense Oval Office meeting in February, Zelenskiy’s latest talks with Trump were measured, reflecting Ukraine’s efforts to maintain crucial ties with Washington.

Although direct U.S. military aid is unlikely, Ukraine continues to rely heavily on U.S. intelligence support and mechanisms enabling Europe to purchase American weapons, particularly air defense systems.

Ukraine is also offering its military expertise to strengthen Europe’s defenses. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Kyiv is prepared to integrate its battle-hardened air defense network with neighboring NATO states.

The offer followed reports that Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace and drones entered Poland last week. While both nations condemned Moscow’s actions, Russia denied the accusations, dismissing them as Western hysteria.

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