The presidents of Ukraine and the United States discussed possible paths to de-escalating the war at a meeting in New York. Ukraine believes pressure on the aggressor must be increased, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a press conference in the United States, a recording of which was released by the Presidential Office.
This includes pressure on the battlefield and long-range strikes, as well as sanctions pressure from partners. The US President currently has a free hand on this issue thanks to a bill co-authored by Senator Lindsey Graham.
“He can impose sanctions if he decides to. When we discuss the conditions and the circumstances, President Trump, of course, says: "I am in favour of the war ending through diplomacy". Ukraine supports this, and we expect Russia to support it as well,” he said.
At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not believe Russia will agree to it.
“If Russia does not agree to talks in one format or another, of course we will do everything to ensure that the United States and President Trump make a decision to tighten sanctions,” the President explained.
It now looks as though Ukraine will have to endure another winter at war. Ukraine is ready for an energy truce. It is also ready for a maritime truce, including on grain and metallurgical exports.
“I spoke about this with leaders of countries that are very interested in it. Because it is not only the parties to the war who are interested, not only the United States, but Egypt, whom I spoke with, Turkey, India, the Emirates,” he said.
Without a maritime truce, these countries could face food shortages, the President explained.
He also criticised the lifting of sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, although he added that EU sanctions against 3,000 people will now remain in force not for six months but for three years. This will safeguard the current sanctions policy from political changes in Europe.
The President noted that there is currently no readiness on Vladimir Putin’s part for a trilateral meeting. However, the United States is discussing a meeting of technical teams from the three countries.