In New York, Zelenskyy Discussed Sanctions and Ballistic Missile Defense with U.S. Senators
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. senators in New York. The parties discussed tightening sanctions against Russia, Ukraine’s need for ballistic missile interceptors, and preparations for the winter season.
The meeting took place as part of Zelenskyy’s working visit to the U.S. to participate in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
According to the president, he thanked the U.S. senators for their strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and for voting in favor of Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill.
“I began my visit to New York with a meeting with U.S. senators. I thanked them for their strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and for voting in favor of Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill. A very wise move. And once it is fully implemented, peace and guaranteed security will certainly be within reach,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote.
On September 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sanctions bill against Russia, which was named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The law provides for increased economic pressure on Russia, particularly through measures targeting its energy and defense sectors.
According to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian and American teams agreed to work more closely on sanctions.
The president also briefed the senators on proposals for de-escalation that he plans to discuss during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Separately, during the meeting, they discussed Ukraine’s defense against Russian ballistic missiles and the challenges posed by the approaching winter.
“We also discussed our need for ballistic missile interceptors and the challenges facing us as winter approaches. There are things we can do together with the U.S. to protect lives. The American ‘Patriots’ cannot be replaced right now, and the more anti-ballistic defense Ukraine has, the less Russia will dare to continue its strikes and drag out the war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Ukraine continues to ask its partners for additional interceptor missiles and air defense systems amid Russian missile attacks. Earlier, Zelenskyy also stated the need to strengthen ballistic defense and prepare critical infrastructure for winter strikes.
The head of state announced this on Facebook.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with First Lady Olena Zelenska and his diplomatic team, arrived in New York on September 22. During the visit, the president plans to hold about 20 meetings, discuss strengthening air defense, and sign a new Drone Deal.
