Ukrainian Leader Calls for Increased U.S. Pressure on Russia
The President of Ukraine has called on America to extend its sanctions on Russian oil, applying them to the entire industry, not just two companies. This plea came alongside a request for long-distance missiles to counteract Russian aggression.
During a meeting in London with numerous European leaders, attention was focused on bolstering Ukraine against future Russian hostility, should the ongoing conflict reach a ceasefire. The conflict has tragically persisted for over three years now.
Increasing Pressure on Russia
Initiated by the UK's Prime Minister, the meeting's aim was to intensify the pressure on Russia's President. This is a continuation of recent actions that saw new sanctions from both the European Union and America imposed on Russia’s crucial oil and gas export revenue.
The discussions also explored strategies for safeguarding Ukraine's power grid, which Russia threatens with frequent drone and missile attacks, particularly with winter looming. Other topics included strengthening Ukrainian air defenses and equipping Kyiv with long-range missiles capable of reaching deep into Russia.
Ukraine’s Missile Request and Oil Sector Sanctions
The Ukrainian president has asked for Tomahawk missiles from the U.S, an idea that America’s President has considered but not yet acted on. The recent decision by the U.S to impose oil sanctions was praised by the Ukrainian leader as a significant move. He stated that pressure should be applied to all Russian oil companies, not just Rosneft and Lukoil.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is implementing its own pressure campaign with drones and missiles, specifically targeting the Russian oil sector.
Resistance from Russia
Russia's leader has so far rejected attempts to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine and maintains that Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbor is justified. Western leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with Russia's leader’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks with Kyiv.
Despite the pressure, Russia has proved skilled at identifying and exploiting loopholes to soften the impact of Western sanctions.
A Future 'Reassurance Force'
Key questions remain for Ukraine's Western allies regarding their future involvement, especially as Europe’s largest conflict since World War II approaches its fourth anniversary. These questions include how to financially support war-torn Ukraine, what postwar security guarantees they can provide, and what their commitments to future security arrangements might look like.
Proposals for a potential "reassurance force" are still vague, but the meeting in London aimed to clarify and develop the concept, even if a peace agreement currently seems remote. The force is expected to provide air and naval support rather than deploying Western troops in Ukraine.
Ongoing Conflict and Damage
The war shows no signs of waning, causing thousands of casualties on both sides, while drone and missile attacks wreak havoc in rear areas. In the past week alone, Russia claimed to have captured 10 Ukrainian villages and downed 111 Ukrainian drones, causing damage to homes and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities report that Russian artillery targeted a residential block in the southeastern city of Kherson, causing two fatalities and injuring 22 others. Russian aircraft also dropped at least five heavy glide bombs on the northeastern city of Kharkiv, causing injuries and damaging homes. For the first time, glide bombs were used on Ukraine’s southern Odesa region, a development identified as a new and significant threat.
Amid ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s rail company announced train delays and route changes in three regions due to extensive shelling, which has caused significant damage to infrastructure. This is another example of the tactics employed by Russian forces in recent months.