Ukraine’s potential post-war security issues have been widely discussed in recent weeks, both in Washington and across European capitals, with the potential for a ceasefire seemingly at an impasse amid continued Russian bombardment of civilian targets across Ukraine.
The number of Ukrainian civilians killed in Russian attacks in July-August exceeded 500 people, according to the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s office. Regions across the country are under the permanent threat of air attacks, including from Shahed-type drones, ballistic missiles and glide bombs.
Three civilians were killed and dozens injured on Saturday in the latest strikes, with municipal infrastructure hit in the country’s south and centre, Zelensky said on X. Russia launched 40 missiles – cruise and ballistic – and about 580 drones of various types into Ukraine, he said.
Some 26 European countries have expressed willingness to contribute to guarantees, including with troops, while Trump has pledged to provide some form of backstop, potentially including intelligence and air support. The US hasn’t committed to direct steps despite Trump’s expressions of frustration towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US sanctions against Russia would also be discussed at next week’s meeting, according to Zelensky.
“If the war continues and there are no moves toward peace, we expect sanctions – this is the second topic that I will raise at the meeting with President Trump,” Zelensky said.
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He emphasised that Ukraine was heading towards another winter of war, and concrete moves by the US, including new sanctions, should be made before the cold season.
He praised Europe for adopting a new sanctions package and strengthening tariff policies against countries that buy energy resources from Russia.
Meanwhile, two Royal Air Force Typhoons took off from a British military base in eastern England on Friday night to patrol Polish skies and deter and defend against aerial threats from Russia, including drones, the government said, adding that they returned safely to the UK early on Saturday morning.
The UK mission over Poland comes amid heightened tensions elsewhere in Europe, with NATO-member Estonia saying on Friday that three Russian military jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes in an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion.
Bloomberg, Reuters
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