New York: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in the United States this week for high-level meetings with President Donald Trump and to address the United Nations General Assembly, as Kyiv seeks renewed international support in its prolonged conflict with Russia. While diplomatic engagement continues, Ukrainian officials acknowledge that hopes for significant U.S.-led sanctions on Moscow are diminishing, prompting a pragmatic shift toward greater self-reliance.
During his visit, Zelenskiy is expected to request tougher U.S. measures against Russia, while also highlighting Ukraine’s resilience and ongoing defense efforts. Yet, behind the scenes, Kyiv is quietly adjusting its strategy, learning from the tensions of a previous White House meeting in February that temporarily halted U.S. military aid. Despite the resumption of weapons supplies and intelligence sharing, lobbying efforts have largely failed to secure sanctions strong enough to pressure President Vladimir Putin toward negotiations.
Amid declining foreign support, Ukraine is recalibrating its approach to the war. Ukrainian long-range drones have recently targeted Russian ports and refineries, demonstrating a focus on strategic strikes to directly affect Russia’s war economy. Analysts note that the country is increasingly relying on its own resources and capabilities, as public sentiment grows cautious: only a small fraction of Ukrainians believe the conflict will end this year.
Zelenskiy’s U.S. visit, including a speech at the UN, is being framed as pragmatic diplomacy rather than a last-ditch effort. Ukrainian officials stress that New York serves as a vital platform to showcase Ukraine’s stance and maintain international attention. Plans are also underway for a summit focusing on Crimea, signaling Kyiv’s insistence that the peninsula’s occupation by Russia cannot form the basis of any peace agreement.
As Ukraine enters a new phase of the conflict, the message is clear: international support remains crucial, but self-reliance and strategic initiative are increasingly at the core of Kyiv’s wartime approach.