Zelenskyy warns NATO: Act now or face greater Russian threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark appeal to Western allies, urging them to “stop wasting time” in countering Russia’s escalating aggression. His call comes ahead of a high-stakes visit to the United States, where he is expected to push President Donald Trump to commit to tougher sanctions on Moscow. The bilateral meeting will take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, a moment many observers see as a crucial test of Washington’s leadership in the conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday, Zelenskyy said sanctions must follow if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses either a ceasefire or direct talks. “If the war continues and there are no moves towards peace, we expect sanctions,” he told reporters, reflecting growing frustration in Ukraine over what it perceives as Western hesitation.

Frustration with Trump’s approach

Since returning to the White House, Trump has frequently threatened action against Russia but has been slow to follow through. Instead, he has focused on penalizing countries like India, raising tariffs on Indian exports to nearly 50 percent in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Just last week, he said Washington was prepared to roll out “major sanctions” but only if NATO allies first stopped buying Russian energy and agreed to impose tariffs on India and China.

Zelenskyy criticized this linkage, arguing it diluted pressure on Moscow. “Tying up possible sanctions with demands on Europe only slows down the process and gives Putin time,” he warned. His remarks come at a tense moment, with Russia recently violating the airspace of multiple NATO members, raising fears of a wider confrontation.

Looking to New York

Zelenskyy’s US visit will focus not only on sanctions but also on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. He revealed that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had already pressed Trump on this issue during the American president’s state visit to London. Zelenskyy also indicated that his wife, Olena, is likely to meet First Lady Melania Trump in New York to discuss humanitarian concerns, including the repatriation of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

While relations between Zelenskyy and Trump have been uneven, marked by tense exchanges earlier this year, the Ukrainian leader hopes next week’s talks will produce greater clarity. With Russian jets recently violating Estonian airspace, the pressure is mounting for NATO to demonstrate unity. As Zelenskyy put it: “The longer the West hesitates, the more dangerous this war becomes not just for Ukraine, but for all of Europe.”