Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to impose strong measures against Russia as tensions rise between Eastern NATO members and Moscow.
Zelensky indicated that he expects to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly, although no official confirmation of a face-to-face meeting has been issued by Washington.
“This week has brought us closer to finalizing the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russian aggression; we expect its approval soon. Russia’s energy resources are being restricted,” Zelensky said on the evening of September 20.
He also warned that additional U.S. sanctions could follow if no meeting between the leaders occurs or if a ceasefire is not agreed upon. Zelensky reiterated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has so far refused a neutral-site negotiation.
Trump, who has previously expressed admiration for Putin, reportedly feels disappointed with the Kremlin leader due to a lack of willingness to pursue a ceasefire and engage in direct talks with Zelensky. He mentioned possible sanctions or tariffs against Russia, though no formal actions have yet been announced.
Escalating Military Tensions
The calls for action come amid renewed military tensions. Polish and other NATO fighter jets scrambled when Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile strike on Ukraine, killing at least three civilians.
The strikes followed NATO’s strong response to previous Russian airspace violations over Estonia, as well as recent drone incursions over Poland and Romania. Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized that NATO must respond decisively to Russian violations, warning that inaction risks further escalation.
Estonia reported that three Russian fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes on September 18, prompting an immediate NATO response. The Kremlin denied the incident, claiming the jets flew over international waters.
Ukrainian Counterstrikes
Ukrainian forces continued targeting Russian military-linked industries, primarily energy production facilities deep within Russian territory. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its air defenses shot down 149 Ukrainian drones across regions including Rostov, Saratov, Bryansk, Samara, and occupied Crimea.
A Ukrainian security official reported that several oil pumping stations were rendered inoperative. Ukraine’s campaign against Russian oil refineries has reportedly disabled nearly one-fifth of Russia’s refining capacity, representing a strategic countermeasure alongside continued defense of civilian infrastructure.
