Zelensky aims to discuss the sluggish advancements in peace negotiations with Russia, as well as his plans with Trump and European leaders.

In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, tension continues to mount as both sides express frustration and call for constructive engagement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia's lack of constructive engagement and continued aerial attacks on civilian areas. The latest attack, a major missile and drone strike overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 23 people, including four children, and left more than 50 wounded. Authorities in the Kyiv region have declared Friday an official day of mourning.

Zelensky has accused Russia of dragging out negotiations and stalling the peace process. In response, he has urged secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia, supporting its war economy, and has called for possible postwar security guarantees from Western countries to include a secure supply of weapons for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin "doesn't rule out" meeting Zelensky, but only after progress is made at the expert level. Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Putin's stalling on US proposals for direct peace talks with Zelensky.

In an effort to move towards a resolution, Zelensky has requested meetings with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week. The gathering, to be hosted by Trump in Washington, will include German Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, other heads of state and government, NATO Secretary General Rutte, and EU Commission President von der Leyen.

Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but Moscow has raised objections. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, met with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to discuss preparations for these upcoming meetings.

Yermak briefed Witkoff on Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine and lamented Russia's lack of engagement in peace efforts despite a meeting with Trump in Alaska this month. Trump has threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if direct talks aren't scheduled and the war continues. Yermak stated that Ukraine supports Trump's firm resolve and all peace initiatives put forward by the United States.

As world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29, the war in Ukraine is expected to be a top issue. Putin is due to attend a meeting in China from Sunday that will also include Iran and North Korea, countries that have aided Russia's war effort.

Zelensky's plea for more sophisticated Western air defense systems to counter Russian attacks remains a pressing concern. Ukraine needs these systems to protect its citizens and move towards a peaceful resolution with Russia. The international community must respond to Zelensky's call for action to bring an end to the violence and restore peace in Ukraine.