Zelensky, UK PM Burnham Meet in New York as Kyiv Warns Russia Preparing Massive Attack

President Volodymyr Zelensky met British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in New York on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The talks, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, focused on security, strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, preparations for winter and continued sanctions pressure on Moscow.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “We now have intelligence that Russia is preparing a new massive attack against Ukraine,” Zelensky said following the meeting. The Ukrainian leader thanked Britain for its continued support for the country’s energy sector, noting a new British contribution ahead of winter. “We discussed in detail with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham everything concerning security, the protection of our people, preparations for winter, and the available diplomatic opportunities,” Zelensky wrote. The two leaders also discussed maintaining pressure on Moscow through sanctions. “When Ukrainians live every day under the threat of missile and drone strikes, there can be no talk of lifting sanctions,” Zelensky said. Kyiv and London share the position that sanctions should remain in place and be strengthened for as long as Russia’s war continues, he added. The remarks came amid criticism in Kyiv over the removal of Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list. UK diplomatic push at the UN The meeting formed part of Burnham’s broader diplomatic push at the UN General Assembly, where Ukraine has featured prominently in his discussions with international partners. Other Topics of Interest Trump Says Putin Is Willing to Meet as Diplomatic Momentum Continues Trump said Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine amid talks with Zelensky at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday. Earlier Tuesday, Burnham held his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump. The two spoke for around 40 minutes and discussed Ukraine alongside trade and other foreign policy issues. Ahead of his trip, Burnham had signaled that he would use the UN gathering to push for increased support for Ukraine, including additional air defense capabilities and US-made Patriot systems. The British government said Ukraine and support for the country through the coming winter would be among Burnham’s priorities during meetings with world leaders in New York. London has also framed securing a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine as one of Burnham’s priorities at this year’s UN General Assembly. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.