Zelenskyy: Ukraine to push US for stronger measures against Russia next week

A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko is set to travel to the United States early next week to discuss key issues, including sanctions policy against Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the plans during a press briefing on October 8, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

Zelenskyy stated, “We are grateful to the United States and President (Donald) Trump. Cooperation with the United States continues. The team headed by Prime Minister Sviridenko, together with the head of the Office (Andriy) Yermak and my Commissioner for Sanctions Policy (Vladyslav) Vlasiuk, will be in the US early next week.”

Among the main topics of discussion will be air defence, energy, sanctions measures, and ongoing negotiation tracks. The delegation will also address the issue of frozen Russian assets held in the US.

Zelenskyy highlighted preparations to continue the work of the Coalition of the Willing, noting that actions, meetings, and expected results are being readied for October and November.

He added, “I think that information from our Foreign Intelligence Service is important. America and the Russian Federation do not have a common vision regarding the war today. And America realises that Russia is lying. And I think it is important in terms of the future, the help of our partners to our state and the track at the end of the war.”

Recently, Trump indicated that the US is ready to impose “serious” sanctions on Russia, provided NATO countries halt purchases of Russian energy. He criticised Europe for maintaining insufficient sanctions and continuing to buy Russian oil.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed accelerating the gradual phase-out of Russian fuel imports following a conversation with Trump. However, RBC-Ukraine notes that the EU is unlikely to fully eliminate Russian oil and gas supplies before 2027.

The bloc had originally planned a complete withdrawal by 2028, but Trump’s demands prompted an earlier timetable, and a further acceleration is not currently feasible.

By Tamilla Hasanova