Zelenskyy seeks Trump support for new sanctions against Russia at G7 summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes to meet with US leader Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit from June 15 to 17 to discuss so-called hellish sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy made the statement during a briefing with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
"This sanctions package (the Graham-Blumenthal bill) is very important for us. We've discussed it, they visited us, and we view it very positively. We're truly grateful to them for that," Zelenskyy said.
However, he noted that the final decision still depends on Trump.
"I'm counting on having a conversation at the G7 summit. And I sincerely hope that if no decision is made before then, I'll at least be able to get a sense of how close we are to one. It's important that there is coordination with EU countries and alignment on the proposed sanctions packages. I believe that alone is already a step forward," the president added.
Zelenskyy-Trump meeting
The Office of the President of Ukraine hopes to arrange a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, scheduled for June 15–17.
Their last meeting took place on April 26 at the Vatican, where both leaders attended the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis.
The meeting lasted only 15 minutes and took place inside St. Peter's Basilica ahead of the pontiff's funeral. Both leaders described the exchange as productive.
It was Zelenskyy's first meeting with Trump following a verbal confrontation at the White House on February 28.
According to Zelenskyy, they discussed a minerals deal, sanctions packages against Russia, and air defense systems.
"Hellish sanctions" proposed by US against Russia
In early April, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill calling for severe sanctions against Russia if it refuses to pursue a lasting peace with Ukraine.
Earlier reports indicated that the US Senate is prepared to approve the legislation should Russian President Vladimir Putin fail to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace.
The proposed sanctions would be triggered if Russia refuses to engage in good-faith negotiations for a durable peace or takes further actions — such as renewed military aggression — that would undermine Ukraine's sovereignty after a peace deal. The bill also imposes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other resources.
Senator Graham stated that he has enough support in the House of Representatives to move the bill forward there as well. Additionally, Trump would not be able to veto the legislation, since 81 senators have pledged their support — well above the 67 votes needed to override a presidential veto.
Recent reports suggest the bill may be introduced in the Senate as early as this week.
At the same time, The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House has asked Graham to soften the bill and effectively make its enforcement optional.
