Zelenskiy Urges Stronger Sanctions on Russia During UN Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for heightened pressure and sanctions on Russia during discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2023. Zelenskiy aims to persuade Trump to bolster support for Kyiv’s ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for over three years.

Zelenskiy began the meeting by announcing “good news” from the battlefield, where Ukrainian forces continue to engage fiercely with Russian troops. He emphasized the urgent need for more sanctions from the United States and European allies. “We need more pressure, more sanctions now with [the] United States, first of all [and] Europe,” he stated, addressing the media alongside Trump. He also highlighted the importance of Trump’s previous call for European nations to cease purchasing Russian energy altogether.

In his earlier address to the UN General Assembly, Trump had threatened economic measures against Russia but underscored the necessity for allied nations to follow suit. He criticized European countries that continue to buy Russian energy despite the ongoing conflict. Describing his meeting with Zelenskiy as “important,” Trump acknowledged the busy agenda but remained focused on the discussions at hand.

Zelenskiy expressed interest in discussing U.S. involvement in future western security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a postwar settlement. A source within the Ukrainian delegation indicated that the president intended to address improvements to Ukraine’s air defenses and proposed facilitating a meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of Trump’s peace initiative.

Trump has suggested that he could play a role in mediating a meeting between Zelenskiy and Putin to further peace efforts, although Moscow has dismissed the idea, stating that a well-prepared agenda would be necessary before any such meeting could occur. Ukraine views this refusal as evidence that Russia remains unwilling to shift from its maximalist objectives, complicating Trump’s peace efforts.

Despite hopes for new stringent sanctions on Russia, Zelenskiy’s expectations may be tempered. A pragmatic approach from Ukraine has characterized recent discussions, with the Ukrainian president’s interactions with Trump less tense than in earlier encounters. While direct U.S. military aid may not be forthcoming, Kyiv remains reliant on U.S. intelligence-sharing and a new mechanism allowing European nations to procure U.S. weaponry.

Ukrainian officials have expressed their disappointment at Trump’s shift in foreign policy compared to the robust military and diplomatic support received during former President Joe Biden‘s administration. The reception of Putin during a summit in Alaska, where Trump extended a warm welcome, shocked many in Ukraine. They believe that significant external pressure, including sanctions, is essential to compel Moscow to halt its military aggression.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose punitive measures on Russia but has yet to act on those threats, with U.S. officials suggesting that this restraint aims to create space for peace negotiations. During their visit to the UN, the Ukrainian delegation has sought to demonstrate its need for military and political support while also offering valuable experience, knowledge, and resources to its allies.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister noted that Kyiv is prepared to integrate its battle-tested air defense systems with those of its western neighbors, a response to NATO’s accusations that Russia has violated its airspace in both Estonia and Poland. In recent incidents, Estonia reported that three Russian fighter jets entered its airspace, remaining for approximately 12 minutes, while Poland condemned Russia for multiple drone incursions. Moscow has rejected these claims, asserting that the West is overreacting and denying any wrongdoing.

As Zelenskiy continues his efforts on the international stage, the outcomes of these discussions may significantly shape Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and its future security arrangements.