Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned on Friday that he has asked US President Trump to urge China’s leader to leverage Beijing’s influence over Moscow in a diplomatic attempt to persuade Russia to conclude its long-standing invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted over four years.
Zelensky informed reporters that he has yet to hear back from the White House regarding Trump’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though he is looking forward to the results.
During his recent visit to the United States, which coincided with the UN General Assembly, Zelensky aimed to gather more international support for Ukraine’s defense. He met with Trump earlier this week on Tuesday.
NATO countries have labeled China as a “decisive enabler” of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
Zelensky offered additional insights about his trip in voice messages to a group of journalists.
Zelensky notes US interest in preliminary technical discussions
Zelensky explained that Washington is proposing a three-way discussion involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia, focusing on technical matters without the presence of the country leaders. He mentioned that Ukraine is currently waiting for the US to suggest a date for these talks, with American officials indicating the United Arab Emirates as a possible venue.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Putin and Trump discussed the prospect of such a meeting during their recent phone call, although he could not provide specifics at the moment.
Earlier this year, representatives from the three nations engaged in three rounds of trilateral negotiations—twice in Abu Dhabi and once in Geneva— but no significant progress was made in those discussions.
Speaking to reporters in St. Petersburg, Putin criticized recent Ukrainian attacks deep within Russian territory and areas held by Russia in Ukraine. He indicated that while there are still proposals to resume talks, Moscow would “carefully consider what actions to take in response.”
Putin emphasized that the Kremlin would decide its course of action regarding potential negotiations based on the interests of the Russian Federation.
US implements substantial sanctions against Russia
During his US visit, Zelensky met with various US senators and members of Congress, expressing gratitude for their bipartisan support in passing a significant sanctions bill aimed at Russia last month.
Trump signed this bill into law the previous week but has not yet enforced the measures.
Zelensky pointed out that sanctions are crucial for compelling Putin to engage in negotiations, expressing hope that Trump would follow through with the implementation of these sanctions. “The sanctions are indeed strong… it’s now up to the president of the United States. He can use this tool to pressure the Russian Federation,” he remarked.
Zelensky receives confirmation from Trump on Patriot licenses
Zelensky stated that Trump affirmed a final decision to allow Kyiv to obtain licenses for the production of Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine is in urgent need of these American-made systems to counter Russia’s missile threats, even though they’ve been in limited supply since the onset of the conflict with Iran on February 28.
In July, Trump had said he would permit Ukraine to produce its own Patriots but later seemed to reconsider that stance.
Countries collaborate for free food supply through the Black Sea
Ukraine and Russia are both significant global sources of essential food products like wheat, barley, and sunflower oil, which developing nations rely on. However, attacks on cargo vessels in the Black Sea have disrupted this supply route, raising concerns about potential shortages.
Zelensky noted that he held separate discussions in the US with leaders from India, Turkey, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern countries interested in ensuring unhindered navigation in the Black Sea. He added that these leaders were also set to engage with Russian officials.
Kyiv is urging Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in the Black Sea to allow for the resumption of full deliveries.
Ukraine requires additional financial support
Zelensky also held discussions with leaders of the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission regarding Ukraine’s budget deficit, which has been strained by wartime expenses and decreases in production. He mentioned that Russia’s economy is also suffering.
The European Union is expected to extend its financial assistance to Ukraine, and the IMF will continue its support programs. Zelensky indicated that a significant part of the funding gap is related to arms purchases, and future assistance might come from technology-sharing agreements and joint drone manufacturing, an area where Ukraine excels.
Casualties reported as conflicts escalate
In a series of overnight aerial assaults on Ukraine, Russian attacks resulted in five fatalities and 11 injuries, while Russian sources reported one death and 21 injuries from Ukrainian strikes. Zelensky noted that eight regions in Ukraine faced attacks, with a particularly harsh assault on Kyiv, which struck an office building, leading to four deaths. A 14-year-old boy was also killed in a strike on a Kyiv apartment, injuring at least seven residents.
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, they targeted a missile engine depot near Kyiv along with other objectives.
In response, Ukraine attacked two refineries as part of its ongoing effort to undermine the Russian economy, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that Ukrainian drones also hit a Russian military electronics factory and a synthetic rubber producer.
