Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine, hopes that increased pressure from the US against Russia can encourage Moscow into negotiations over their war. Talks have stalled for four years on both fronts, so Kyiv hopes new American sanctions and diplomatic leverage can produce breakthrough.
Mounting Pressure from Washington
Recently, the United States has imposed new energy-sector sanctions against Russia, targeting major oil companies and designed to tighten Moscow’s war economy. mes According to Reuters.
Zelenskiy publicly welcomed U.S. actions, calling them a clear signal that aggression would not go unpunished and emphasizing that pressure on Russia is an essential factor to bringing about peace.
Kyiv’s logic for supporting U.S. measures against Russia is clear: If Russia feels enough pain from sanctions and diplomatic isolation, it may be more willing to return to meaningful talks rather than simply fighting a war of attrition. Zelenskiy’s support of these U.S. measures sends a strong signal that Ukraine stands firmly behind any international efforts to influence Moscow.
Diplomacy In Motion: Turkey Trip and Proposal Roll-Out
Zelenskiy is now beginning his diplomatic tour, with Turkey set as one of his destinations, where he plans to “re-engage” U.S. involvement in peace diplomacy and offer new proposals intended to revive stalled talks. (Source: Arab News)
As Russia has declined to send representatives, Kyiv is proceeding under the assumption that international pressure and mediation frameworks will help restart momentum.
Zelenskiy stated his team has developed solutions to present to partners, indicating a desire for diplomatic approaches — though he emphasized Ukraine would not surrender on territorial integrity. With regards to risks and opportunities, Arab News recommends reading Strategic Calculus: Risks and Opportunities as further reading material.
Zelenskiy has tied the revival of peace talks to U.S. pressure against Russia as part of a two-track strategy: on one hand he acknowledges Ukraine remains embroiled in fighting, needing Western support to sustain it; while at the same time signaling his willingness to explore a transition out of war — provided its terms are acceptable and guarantees are adequate.
Relying on U.S. pressure carries risks. Reliance upon Washington to remain committed requires it to adapt its priorities as world priorities shift; Russia should respond positively to sanctions and leverage instead of increasing military offensives; Ukraine must ensure any negotiations do not erode long-term security or sovereignty.
What It Looks Like–Is It Enough?
U.S. sanctions, Ukrainian diplomacy and mediation by Turkey provide a foundation for renewed negotiations to take place. Zelenskiy made this point clear in his message to Congress: “We will do whatever possible to bring an end to the conflict closer.”
Yet how this strategy translates into actual talks is currently unknown. Russia’s decision not to attend an Istanbul-area meeting raises doubts as to whether this represents serious diplomacy on Russia’s part, or more of a means by which they seek leverage over Turkey.
If Ukraine can effectively combine U.S. and international pressure with an attractive diplomatic offer, it could force Russia back to the table — but success depends on Western unity, realistic expectations and its ability to preserve its negotiating strength.
Conclusion
By encouraging the United States to increase pressure on Russia while simultaneously positioning himself for diplomacy, Zelenskiy is maneuvering carefully between war and peace. This approach mirrors Ukraine’s complicated reality – demanding outcomes that meet its interests while creating conditions where Moscow might choose negotiation over conflict. Whether or not this strategy results in substantive talks remains to be seen; nevertheless it signals a pivot from simply seeking support to actively influencing diplomatic moments.