Zelensky Urges Trump to Use Russia Sanctions Powers, Expresses Readiness for Putin Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to President Trump to utilize the tariff provisions within Senator Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill, emphasizing his readiness to engage in direct talks with Vladimir Putin to achieve peace.

"I hope the president will use this instrument," Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday, referring to the sanctions legislation recently signed into law by Trump. The new law empowers the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Trump signaled his openness to employing these new tariff powers if deemed necessary. "And, if necessary, I will have to use them," Trump stated in his UN speech.

Zelensky also conveyed his willingness to participate in US-led trilateral discussions with Russia, which would include a face-to-face meeting with Putin. "I'm ready … I'm ready anytime," he said, stressing the need for swift progress from all parties.

He suggested that Ukraine's preparedness to negotiate should signal to Russia its readiness to end the protracted conflict. "You're ready to speak or not? You're ready to sit and negotiate? This is a signal. And you hear from Ukraine, ‘Yes’ … and we don’t hear from Russia," Zelensky remarked.

The meeting between Trump and Zelensky also addressed the possibility of an energy infrastructure cease-fire and the supply of Patriot defense systems from the U.S. to Ukraine for winter warfare. Zelensky proposed an exchange: if Russia refrains from attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Ukraine would cease drone attacks on Russian diesel production facilities.

"I'm not sure that Russia is ready, but we spoke about an energy cease-fire," Zelensky said. "If they don’t want us to attack their diesel and refineries, we are ready – if they will not attack our energy system, electricity, heating system and water supply."

Zelensky expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential provision of Patriot missiles, noting that no objections were raised. He reiterated his belief that Trump is committed to ending the war, stating, "He wants to end the war. He said he would do everything to help end the war."

Prior to the meeting, Trump described his relationship with Zelensky as "very good" and expressed confidence in reaching a resolution to the war. "The president and I are trying to figure out a solution, and I think it’s going to happen," Trump said.

Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were expected to continue discussions with Ukrainian officials and European counterparts on Tuesday evening, focusing on proposals for de-escalation with Russia, according to Axios.