Zelenskyy pushes for air defence systems and Russia sanctions, with U.S. lawmakers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had discussed the need for enhanced air defences and tougher sanctions on Russia with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) during a meeting in Rome held alongside international talks on Ukraine.

In a post on Telegram early Friday, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine's current priority is boosting its air defence systems, especially as Russia plans large-scale drone assaults.

“Russia is preparing to launch up to 1,000 drones in a single attack,” he warned, adding that investing in interceptor drones was now essential.

He said discussions also focused on continued U.S. weapons support and potential joint production of defence systems. Ukraine, he noted, is ready to collaborate with European partners to secure large-scale U.S. defence packages aimed at protecting civilian lives.

Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that all necessary political approvals for renewed U.S. military aid had been received after a brief suspension last week. He also revealed new agreements with Germany and Norway for the purchase of three Patriot missile defence systems- two funded by Berlin, one by Oslo.

Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have surged in recent weeks. On Wednesday night alone, Zelenskyy said Russia launched 18 missiles and about 400 drones, mainly targeting Kyiv. The night before, Ukraine faced a record 728-drone assault.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had authorised the shipment of defensive weapons to Ukraine and was weighing further sanctions on Moscow, citing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over stalled efforts to resolve the war.

Zelenskyy also held talks on Wednesday in Rome with Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, to discuss military aid.

In his Telegram update, Zelenskyy said he and the two senators also reviewed a proposed U.S. bill that would impose tougher sanctions not only on Russia but also on countries continuing to buy its key exports- such as oil, gas, and uranium.

He called the legislation a powerful tool to bring peace closer and give diplomacy a meaningful role. The proposed law includes a provision for a 500% tariff on imports from countries that still purchase major Russian commodities.

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