Ukraine Counts on US Passing New Russia Sanctions, Zelensky Says

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday, Sept. 6, that Ukraine is counting on the US to pass a major new package of sanctions targeting Russia, commending US Senator Lindsey Graham for his legislative efforts, Ukrinform reported. Speaking at a joint press briefing in Kyiv alongside US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelensky clarified that while Kyiv expects congressional approval for the economic penalties, the sanctions legislation was not raised during Sunday’s meetings and was separate from the envoys’ diplomatic mission.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “The Ukrainian side certainly counts on the great work and efforts of Lindsey, a great friend of Ukraine, to be positively recognized by the United States of America. And, of course, we count on these sanctions, on this package,” Zelensky said, noting that Kyiv received positive signals during earlier consultations and is awaiting a formal vote in Congress. “The American side did not raise this issue today; we did not discuss it with them,” Zelensky added. “I am absolutely certain that this is unrelated to our meeting today. The visit of the American team is tied to their desire to revive the negotiation process.” While expressing doubt that Moscow seeks anything beyond further occupation, the president underscored the imperative to maintain diplomatic engagement alongside allied economic pressure. Battlefield gains bolster diplomatic leverage Beyond sanctions, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine has reinforced its military standing on the battlefield over the past 10 to 12 months, providing Kyiv with greater leverage and confidence in any future diplomatic format with Washington and Moscow. Other Topics of Interest US Envoys Hold ‘Important’ Talks in First Trip to Kyiv US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held “important” talks in Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first visit to Ukraine to discuss ending the war. “Over the past year... in 10 to 12 months, we have grown stronger, even though winter remains a great challenge,” Zelensky said. “We have strengthened on the battlefield, especially in the east, where the enemy is active and where he has increased personnel. I believe that after the elections in Russia, there will be a mobilization solely for that axis.” Zelensky emphasized that both American and European partners have recognized Ukraine’s enhanced combat capabilities. Addressing the rare period of aerial quiet over the capital during the envoys’ visit, he cautioned that relying on the Kremlin’s goodwill is unsustainable. “It is not a normal life when we depend entirely on one person who started this war and continues to terrorize us. That cannot exist in the modern world. But words are not enough; we must be strong,” Zelensky stated. “Everyone recognizes – and we discussed this with both the American and European sides – that we have strengthened on the battlefield. This allows us to be more confident in any format of future discussions.” Donbas central to war of attrition Addressing core territorial matters, Zelensky identified the Donbas as the defining battleground of the conflict, framing it as an existential barrier against wider Russian objectives. “The question of the Donbas is not just a question of the Donbas. I believe it is the question of the entire war – a war of survival and attrition,” Zelensky said. “This territorial issue is the objective of the Russian side. It acts as a Ukrainian outpost across many dimensions.” The president revealed that discussions with the American delegation and European national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany touched on several new settlement concepts, cautioning that these proposals require thorough internal review before being presented to the Ukrainian public. Zelensky added that Kyiv will pursue every effort to realize trilateral negotiations involving European partners, though he acknowledged Moscow’s intransigence. “We will see what Russia agrees to. Today, unfortunately, it still possesses plenty of confidence to dictate formats,” he remarked, while also pointing to acute fiscal deficits as a continuing domestic challenge for sustaining defense manufacturing and armed forces operations.