Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for intensified sanctions against Russia if peace negotiations fail to progress, particularly if a proposed trilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin does not occur.
The statement comes after a Saturday call between Zelenskyy and Trump, following Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday, where Ukraine was not included.
The discussions aim to resolve the ongoing conflict, with Trump describing his talks with Putin as “warm” and suggesting a peace deal is near, though Ukraine’s agreement is essential.
Russia’s refusal to accept an immediate ceasefire continues to hinder peace efforts, according to Zelenskyy.
Putin has demanded that Ukraine cede the contested Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv firmly rejects, citing concerns that it could enable future Russian offensives.
Zelenskyy emphasized that no peace talks can proceed without a ceasefire and reiterated Ukraine’s need for binding security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe.
Putin, however, has insisted on Ukraine’s neutrality, exclusion from NATO, demilitarization, and recognition of new Russian territories as prerequisites for any agreement.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have pledged continued support for Ukraine, including sustained sanctions pressure on Russia.
They will join Zelenskyy for a meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday, which may pave the way for a trilateral summit next week.
Zelenskyy warned that Russia might escalate military actions to gain leverage in negotiations, noting recent attacks involving 60 drones and a missile, with Ukraine’s air force intercepting 40 drones.