Zelenskyy Plans to Meet Trump on Sidelines of UN as Russia Steps Up Attacks
NEW YORK CITY - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with US President Donald Trump next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in a bid to urge him to impose stronger sanctions on Russia, according to reports.
The meeting comes as Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine following air incursions into Europe's eastern flank that have sparked anxiety over a potential spillover of the ongoing war. On Saturday, apartment buildings were hit during a Russian missile strike on Dnipro, Ukraine, leaving many residents displaced and without access to basic necessities.
"We now expect strong sanctions steps from the United States as well," European Union President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement earlier this week. "Europe is doing its part, and we hope that our partners will follow suit."
The announcement of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump was made on Saturday by the AFP news agency, just hours after the European Union presented its 19th sanctions package against Russia.
Background: The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a major concern for global leaders. In recent weeks, tensions have escalated as Russia has increased its military presence in eastern Ukraine. The international community has called on both sides to de-escalate the situation and engage in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
Additional perspectives:
"The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump is a crucial opportunity for the US to demonstrate its commitment to supporting Ukraine," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a leading expert on international relations at Harvard University.
"We hope that this meeting will lead to concrete actions from the US to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," added Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova.
Current status: The situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, with reports of ongoing fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Next developments: Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump is expected to take place next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The outcome of this meeting will be closely watched by global leaders, who are eager to see concrete actions from the US to support Ukraine.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
