Zelenskyy aims to engage in dialogue with Trump and European leaders to address the sluggish advancement of peace negotiations

In the ongoing struggle for peace in Ukraine, Western countries are assessing post-war security guarantees to deter a potential Russian invasion in the future. A crucial element of these guarantees is ensuring a secure supply of weapons for Ukraine.

Recent developments have seen Ukraine accepting a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow has raised objections, casting a shadow over the prospect of dialogue.

The UN General Assembly, scheduled to commence from 9 September, is expected to be a platform for world leaders to discuss Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, is set to meet with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York on Friday to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings.

Trump, expressing annoyance at Putin's stalling on a US proposal for direct peace talks with Zelenskyy, has stated that a decision on next steps will be made in two weeks if direct talks aren't scheduled. Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has urged swift secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia, supporting its war economy.

The Atlantic Council has noted that recent US presidents have shied away from taking a tougher line with Putin for fear of a potential nuclear conflict. The second Trump administration, however, has repeatedly signaled that the United States has no vital interests at stake in this war.

Ukraine's anti-corruption chiefs believe that EU accession talks would protect them, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and possibly other heads of state and government in Washington next week.

Ukrainian negotiators have been attempting to advance the peace process through talks in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and the US. Zelenskyy wants to meet with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week to discuss efforts to end Russia's more than three-year war.

Meanwhile, Putin is due to attend a meeting in China from Sunday that will also include Iran and North Korea, countries which have aided Russia's war effort. A major missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight into Thursday that killed at least 23 people drew no public condemnation from the White House.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of dragging out negotiations, including by postponing a Russia-Ukraine summit. Ukraine needs more sophisticated Western air defense systems to counter attacks like the one that killed 23 people in Kyiv. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Putin "doesn't rule out" meeting Zelenskyy, but only after progress is made "at the expert level."

In a move that could escalate tensions, Hungary has sanctioned a Ukrainian drone commander for bombing an oil pipeline in Russia. Zelenskyy has emphasized the urgency for leaders to be involved to reach agreements. The question remains whether diplomatic efforts will lead to a lasting peace or if the conflict will continue to simmer.