Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to deliver a robust response, including tariffs and sanctions, should Russian President Vladimir Putin refuse to engage in peace talks to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Zelenskyy expressed frustration with Russia’s continued aggression and urged Washington to take decisive economic measures to pressure Moscow into negotiations.“If the Russians aren’t prepared for this, we’re asking for tariffs. We’re calling for additional sanctions and tariff measures from the US, as they will genuinely make an impact,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing his hope that “America will step up” to counter Russia’s reluctance to pursue peace.

Proposed Venues for Peace Talks

Zelenskyy outlined potential locations for a high-level meeting, favoring neutral countries such as Switzerland or Austria. He also expressed openness to Türkiye as a mediator, noting its offer to ensure security in the Black Sea. However, he firmly ruled out Moscow as a venue, stating, “A meeting in Moscow is out of the question.” He described Budapest as a “tricky” option due to Hungary’s divergence from European unity on Ukraine, adding that he had asked US President Donald Trump to ensure Hungary does not obstruct Ukraine’s path to EU membership. “President Trump promised his team would work on this,” Zelenskyy noted.

Rejecting Russia’s Territorial Demands

Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s demand for full control over Ukraine’s Donbas region as a condition for ending the conflict, calling it unrealistic. “Russia already occupied a third of Donbas before the full-scale invasion. They now hold about 67–69 percent — meaning they have taken just a third in nearly four years of fighting,” he said. He warned that ceding Donbas would jeopardize other key cities, stating, “If Putin gains control here, he’ll push further, regardless of any agreements signed.” Zelenskyy described Putin’s promises as “hot air,” noting that Trump understood his concerns during discussions.

Security Guarantees Gain Momentum

Zelenskyy highlighted growing international support for Ukraine’s security, spurred by US commitments. “Türkiye has indicated it’s ready to ensure security in the Black Sea,” he said, adding that military leaders from key allies are discussing contributions ranging from ground forces to air defense systems, air patrols, financial aid, and weaponry. These pledges are seen as critical to deterring further Russian aggression and securing a lasting peace.

Recent diplomatic efforts have intensified, with Trump hosting Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, to discuss a potential ceasefire, though no agreement was reached. Putin reportedly demanded that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, a condition Zelenskyy rejected outright. Following the summit, Trump shifted focus from an immediate ceasefire to a long-term peace agreement, a move that raised concerns among Ukrainian and European leaders about potential pressure on Kyiv to make territorial concessions.

On August 18, 2025, Trump met with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House to discuss security guarantees and the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Putin. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasized that Ukraine’s borders must not be altered by force and pushed for stronger sanctions if Russia continues to resist peace efforts. Zelenskyy reported that security guarantees, including a proposed $90 billion purchase of US weapons, would be formalized within days.

However, Russia’s overnight attack on August 19, involving 40 missiles and nearly 600 drones targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, underscored Moscow’s ongoing aggression. Zelenskyy condemned the assault as evidence that Russia is acting “as if nothing is changing” despite global peace efforts.

US and European Response

Trump has threatened “severe consequences” if Russia does not agree to peace terms, including tariffs and sanctions on countries like India and China for purchasing Russian oil. On August 13, 2025, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods due to its continued imports of Russian crude, signaling a willingness to use economic leverage. European leaders have also vowed to intensify sanctions, with the EU preparing a new package to target Russia’s war economy by September 2025.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his call for a just and lasting peace, rejecting any deal that compromises Ukraine’s sovereignty. With plans for a potential Putin-Zelenskyy meeting underway, possibly in a neutral location like Geneva or Budapest, the international community watches closely as the path to peace remains fraught with challenges. (ILKHA)