Kiev is not expecting any new weapons, but is relying on the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly, where he called for tougher sanctions against Russia and for Europe to stop buying energy from Russia.

Trump had previously warned Moscow of economic measures in his speech, but emphasized that only joint action by allies could be effective.

Zelensky described the meeting as important and also wanted to discuss US participation in future security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian delegation indicated that strengthening air defenses and the possible mediation of a meeting between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin as part of Trump's peace initiative would also be topics of discussion.

Although Kyiv does not expect any new direct military aid from the US, it is relying on cooperation in the field of intelligence and on a mechanism that allows Europe to purchase American weapons. The meeting showed a more pragmatic attitude on the part of Ukraine, which is trying to maintain important relations with Washington despite disappointments.

(reuters, mja)