President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may meet next week in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. This coincides with a time when changes in US policy are further complicating the situation. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of increasing pressure for NATO to fight more aggressively against Russia and for Poland to prevent more Russian drones from entering its airspace.
Redaksiya reports that Senator Marco Rubio stated in remarks to journalists that Trump has had numerous phone calls with Putin and meetings with Zelensky, and is expected to meet again next week in New York. Rubio emphasized that Trump is doing everything he can to end the war. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski called on NATO allies to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Sikorski stated that this step would protect both Ukrainians and NATO allies bordering the war.
It is unlikely that NATO will accept this proposal, as under US President Joe Biden's leadership, NATO has refused to implement a no-fly zone since Zelensky's initial request in 2022. Russian officials have stated that they would consider NATO strikes against Russian drones and missiles, aimed at assisting Ukraine, as direct intervention in the war. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that the implementation of the idea of creating a "no-fly zone" over Ukraine would lead to war between NATO and Russia.
Rubio noted that Trump might believe a peace agreement with Putin is not possible, but that stage has not yet been reached. Rubio emphasized that Trump is the only leader who can speak with both Ukrainians and Europeans, as well as Russians. He added that Trump will not easily give up this role. Rubio stated that if Trump were to stay out of this process or impose sanctions on Russia, there would be no one left in the world who could mediate the resolution of the conflict.