Zelenskyy calls for stronger sanctions on Russia ahead of Trump meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he plans to discuss Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air defence systems when he meets with US President Donald Trump at a NATO summit in Turkey. The Ukrainian leader emphasised that while Russia’s weakening position is evident, current measures fall short of what is required to turn the tide of the conflict.

“We see Russia’s weakness — we feel it. But it is not enough,” Zelenskyy said. “We need more pressure, more anti-ballistic weapons and more sanctions on Russia.” His remarks underline Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian ballistic missile attacks, which have devastated civilian infrastructure and claimed numerous lives throughout the war.

The meeting with Trump represents a critical opportunity for Zelenskyy to press for increased Western military support and economic pressure on Moscow. Ukraine has repeatedly warned that Russian missile strikes pose an existential threat to its civilian population and critical infrastructure, including power plants and water systems. The country has consistently sought advanced air defence capabilities to counter what it describes as indiscriminate attacks on non-military targets.

Zelenskyy’s appeal comes as Western nations continue to debate the extent of sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. The push for additional restrictions on Russia reflects Ukrainian concerns that current international measures, whilst significant, have not sufficiently degraded Russia’s capacity to wage war or compelled Moscow to negotiate a settlement favourable to Kyiv.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.