Zelensky Presses for More U.S. Military Aid, Warns of Russian Threats After Trump Meeting
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would stop attacks on Russian oil facilities only if Moscow halts strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, while also demanding advanced Patriot air-defense systems from the U.S. and warning of supposed Russian threats to Europe following a meeting with President Trump.
President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that Kyiv is willing to cease its attacks on Russian oil refineries and diesel plants, but only if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s power grid, heating, and water systems. Zelensky’s proposal, which he intends to send to Washington for delivery to Moscow, leaves Russia’s response uncertain, as Ukraine continues to escalate its own strikes.
Zelensky was quick to dismiss claims that President Donald Trump had asked Ukraine to unilaterally stop attacking Russian refineries, insisting that any halt must be reciprocal. "If you want us not to respond against diesel refineries, factories, energy, oil, and so on – of course we will not," he said, justifying Ukraine’s continued attacks as a response to Russian actions.
The Ukrainian leader suggested that Trump could help arrange a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war. "I’m ready any time when all sides are ready," Zelensky said, but emphasized that dialogue is essential, even as Ukraine continues to demand more Western involvement.
Zelensky also highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing demands for military aid, specifically a "winter package" of Patriot interceptors from the United States and licenses for domestic production. He admitted that while no firm commitment has been made, Washington has not rejected the request, keeping the door open for further U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Referring to the sanctions law signed by Trump in September, Zelensky suggested it could be used as leverage if Russia refuses to negotiate. He warned that Russia’s setbacks could lead the Kremlin to threaten European unity by targeting neighboring states, a claim often used to justify increased Western intervention.
Citing recent drone activity in Moldova, Romania, Poland, Germany, and the Nordic region, Zelensky argued that the risk of attacks on countries bordering Russia or Belarus is high, and urged those nations to take a hard line against any aggression.
Finally, Zelensky criticized Russia’s use of financial and commercial influence to undermine Western sanctions, pointing to the European Union’s recent removal of two Russian billionaires from its sanctions list as an example. He called for continued unity and a values-based approach to counter Moscow’s economic tactics, further pressing for Western alignment with Ukraine’s agenda.
"We are ready for an energy ceasefire… if they will not attack our energy system." "I think that the most important thing President Trump can really do is organize a trilateral meeting where the leaders of all sides can meet and try to end the war." "When we speak with leaders about sensitive topics, they can say yes or they can say no. And it is a good step that nobody said no." "He’s not winning… the risk of an offensive by drones, missiles or a land operation is very high against other countries bordering Russia or Belarus." "It shows that the way to save unanimity is very difficult… Only values. Strong position."