Zelenski said he is expecting further sanctions if Vladimir Putin refuses to meet him for individual talks or agree on a ceasefire. “If the war continues and there are no moves to peace, we expect sanctions,” he said.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to take action against Russia, but so far he has not done so. Last week he said the US is ready to “impose significant sanctions”, but only after all NATO countries agree to stop buying oil from Russia and impose duties on China, another large importer, the Guardian notes.

Speaking to a group of journalists in Kiev, Zelenski expressed his frustration over the course of events. He said that “committing” possible US sanctions with demands on European countries to make the first move is equivalent to “slowing down pressure on Putin”.

“President Trump is awaiting strong actions from Europe. I think we waste a lot of time if no penalties are imposed or some measures are taken, which we expect a long time, “Zelenski said, speaking from his presidential office.

Trump’s close allies, Hungary and Slovakia, refused to interrupt energy relations with Moscow. They are the last two EU Member States that still buy Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Ukraine bombed him last month, provoking an angry reaction from Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban.

All Europe to impose sanctions

Zelenski said he wants “all Europe” to impose sanctions. He said Trump could “push” European countries to make more and added that the Slovakian pro -Russian government would probably respond to US pressure. “Everyone is looking at the United States,” he said.

He reiterated his willingness to meet Putin in any form – either individual or “trilaterally” with the US president in the room. The Kremlin argues that the “main causes” of the conflict should be addressed before this happens, referring to the tradition of Ukraine.

During his journey to New York, Zelenski will also call for clarifications on security guarantees that the US will be willing to provide as part of a peacekeeping agreement. He reported that British Prime Minister, Kir Starmer, raised this issue to Trump during the official visit of the US president to the United Kingdom and during their talks on Thursday in Tsers.

Meeting his wife with Melania

Zelenski also said that his wife, Olen, “probably” would meet Melania Trump in New York. They will discuss the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The first lady of the US is widely considered more sympathetic to Kiev than the president, who reprimanded Zelenski during their meeting in February at the Oval Office.

Their latest meeting at the White House in August was more successful, with several European leaders, including Starmer, to participate in talks with Zelenski. Next week’s bilateral meeting takes place in a climate of challenging Russian actions in Europe, with three Russian fighter aircraft violating Estonia’s airspace on Friday.

Zelenski noted that Ukraine is using more and more drones to hit enemy energy facilities that supply the Russian army. Early on Saturday, drones hit Saratov’s oil refinery for the second time in a week. Video showed explosions and flames. Another attack caused damage to a refinery in the Samarra region.

Fuel

The Ukrainian president predicted that Russia’s fuel crisis, which has led to high queues for gasoline in some parts of the country, will deteriorate. He said Kiev reduces the difference with Moscow in terms of drones, but need more money to fund domestic weapons production.

During the night, Russia carried out a large -scale attack with drones and ballistic missiles against Ukraine. At least three people were killed when a rocket carrying diaspora bombs hit a block of flats in Dnipro. Other areas, such as Micolav, Chernigib and Zaporizia, were also target, according to officials.

In a post on social media, Zelenski said the Kremlin is not bombarding military installations, but is implementing a “deliberate strategy” with the aim of terrorizing citizens and destroying infrastructure.

“A strong international reaction is needed,” he said, calling on Europe to boost Ukraine’s air defense and to increase weapons supplies.