Zelensky urges broader pressure on Russia as attacks intensify

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States and major non-Western powers to increase pressure on Russia after another week of extensive aerial attacks on Ukraine.

Zelensky said Russia launched more than 2,200 attack drones, about 1,650 guided bombs and 38 missiles during the week. He reported deaths in Kyiv and the Zaporizhzhia region, along with strikes on homes, energy facilities, educational buildings and a Kyiv data center. Following attacks on Sept. 26, he called on U.S. President Donald Trump to implement sanctions targeting Russia and entities that finance its war, while also requesting additional European sanctions.

Zelensky said he had asked Trump to press Chinese President Xi Jinping, arguing that Xi could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin more than many other leaders. He also called on China, India, Brazil, South Africa and other G20 countries to take a stronger position against Moscow.

Separately, Zelensky said Trump had made a final decision allowing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors under license, describing the arrangement as part of “concrete agreements” reached between the two leaders.

Trump said he also asked Zelensky to ease Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries because of their effect on fuel markets, claiming Zelensky replied that Ukraine would probably do so. A Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Independent that Kyiv had made no agreement and would halt refinery attacks only if Russia accepted a reciprocal ceasefire covering energy infrastructure. Zelensky previously said no effort was made during his private meeting with Trump to force Ukraine to stop such strikes.