Zelenskyy presses U.S. envoy for air defences and tougher sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held talks in Kyiv with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, Gen. Keith Kellogg, focusing on defense cooperation, sanctions against Russia and preparations for the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Zelenskyy said discussions included financing under the PURL initiative to boost Ukraine’s air defenses with Patriot missile systems, as well as proposals for bilateral co-production of drones and weapons. He added that talks centered on ways to “achieve real peace and guarantee Ukraine’s security.”

The president stressed that a trilateral leaders’ format remained “the most effective” path to ending the war with Russia. He also highlighted the need for stronger sanctions, alongside international cooperation on the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, raising concern about their treatment.

Zelenskyy used the meeting to extend condolences to the American people over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his response to the murder of Ukrainian citizen Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina. “It is important that justice prevail every time violence seeks to take hold,” he said.

The pair also discussed coordination between Kyiv and Washington ahead of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, within the broader coalition of states backing Ukraine.

Launched by Ukraine and its partners, the PURL initiative aims to mobilize funding for the joint production and acquisition of advanced weapons, including Patriot systems, to reinforce the country’s long-term security.

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