Zelensky demands "strong" measures from the US against Russia

2025-09-21 12:32:54, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States to impose "strong" measures against Russia, as tensions between the eastern NATO member and the Kremlin rise.

Zelensky also said he expects to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week, although Washington has not yet confirmed any face-to-face meeting between them.

"This week has brought us closer to finalizing the 19th package of [EU] sanctions against Russian aggression; we expect its adoption soon. Russia's energy resources are being limited," Zelensky said on the evening of September 20.

"We expect sanctions from the US if there is no meeting between the leaders or, for example, if there is no ceasefire," he added.

Zelensky also reiterated his stance that he is ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has so far refused to meet in a neutral location.

Trump, who has long expressed admiration for Putin, now feels disappointed with the Kremlin leader because he is showing no willingness to accept a ceasefire and engage in direct talks with Zelensky.

Trump said he was "very disappointed" with Putin after a series of intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities. He has talked about new sanctions or tariffs against Russia, although no action has yet been taken.

"He really disappointed me," Trump said during a visit to London on September 18.

Washington and its European allies have already imposed financial measures against Moscow after the launch of the full invasion in February 2022, aimed at weakening its economy, but Kiev and its supporters are demanding stronger action.

Zelensky's latest statements come amid diplomatic and military developments, both within Ukraine and Russia, as well as over the airspace of NATO countries bordering the two warring states.

Polish and other NATO fighter jets took to the air as Russia launched another massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing at least three civilians.

The operation, which lasted about 90 minutes, is indicative of the high concern in NATO countries following Russia's interventions.

The wave of attacks overnight on Saturday came shortly after NATO countries reacted harshly to a Russian violation of Estonian airspace the day before, as well as recent violations by Russian drones in Poland and Romania.

NATO must respond strongly to Russian violations - including the shooting down of Russian planes, said the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel.

"Russia will soon realize that it has made a mistake and crossed the acceptable limits. Unfortunately, this is risking conflict, but surrendering in the face of evil is simply not an option," Pavel said.

Estonia said on September 18 that three Russian fighter jets entered its airspace and stayed there for 12 minutes, forcing other NATO countries to immediately scramble their planes.

The Kremlin denied the incident, saying the planes had flown over international waters.

Estonia said it had requested consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Council, which are expected to take place next week.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued to press the Kremlin, striking deep inside Russia at war-related industries, mainly energy production plants.

Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 149 Ukrainian drones during the night between September 19 and 20, in various regions including Rostov, Saratov, Bryansk and Samara, as well as over Russian-occupied Crimea.

A Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) official told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service that several oil pumping stations were put out of service.

While Russia regularly targets civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals and schools, Ukraine has waged a campaign against Russian oil refineries - often deep in the country - reportedly knocking out almost a fifth of its capacity./ REL