Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Western allies of “wasting time” as he prepares for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York next week. He is expected to press Trump to impose stronger sanctions on Russia if Moscow refuses to engage in peace talks or agree to a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy expressed frustration that potential U.S. sanctions are being tied to European countries first taking steps against Russia. He argued that this approach weakens pressure on the Kremlin. He called on the U.S. to push reluctant European states such as Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to buy Russian oil, to act more decisively.
During the New York trip, Zelenskyy will also seek clarity on possible U.S. security guarantees as part of a peace settlement. He reiterated his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin directly or in a trilateral format with Trump. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to step up drone strikes on Russian energy facilities, warning that Russia’s fuel shortages are set to worsen.
The visit comes as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian cities. Overnight, drone and missile strikes killed civilians in Dnipro and targeted multiple regions, further intensifying calls from Kyiv for stronger air defenses and greater weapons supplies from its allies.