Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 23 in New York, requested weapon systems capable of influencing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position and prompting him to negotiate.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky and Trump’s Meeting: Key Statements
In his interview with the American publication, Zelensky did not specify which weapons he was referring to, but he shared Trump’s reaction: “We will work on this.” The Ukrainian president emphasized that having such a system does not necessarily mean its immediate use, but it will create additional pressure on Putin to start a dialogue.
“President Trump knows, I [told] him yesterday what we need, one thing,” the Ukrainian president is quoted as saying. “We need this, but it does not mean we will use it. Because if we have it, I think it will be additional pressure on Putin to sit down and talk.”
Zelensky also noted that Trump supports Ukraine’s right to strike back at Russian targets, including energy infrastructure and arms factories in the event of attacks from Russia. At the same time, the Ukrainian president emphasized that the Armed Forces will not strike at the civilian population of Russia, as “we are not terrorists.” He also advised Kremlin officials to know the locations of bomb shelters, hinting at a possible response if aggression continues.
U.S. and Russia’s Reaction
After talks with Zelensky, Trump issued sharp criticism of Russia, calling it a “paper tiger” and assuring that Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, has every chance of reclaiming occupied territories.
The Kremlin responded to these statements through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who described Trump’s words as dictated by U.S. business interests, particularly the desire to increase oil and gas exports. He also dismissed the possibility of Ukraine fully reclaiming the occupied territories, calling such statements “false.”
U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance noted that Trump is becoming “incredibly impatient” with Russia, as he believes it is not actively working to end the war. Vance emphasized that this is not a change in position, but rather an acknowledgment of the current situation on the front.
Zelensky, in a comment to American media, also expressed surprise at Trump’s assertion regarding the possibility of reclaiming all occupied territories, but called this statement a positive signal for Ukraine.