Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday he hoped to press his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to step up sanctions on Russia on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit.
Trump has spooked Europe and Kyiv by pushing a rapprochement with Moscow, a dramatic reversal after three years of Washington seeking to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine.
Trump also clashed bitterly with Zelensky at the White House in February, which stunned Ukraine's Western allies.
Since then, Zelensky has been at pains to try to mend the relationship. The pair had a brief sit-down at the Vatican in April.
"I count on having a conversation" with Trump at the G7 summit in Canada starting this weekend, Zelensky said.
In recent days, Zelensky and his aides have been calling on allies to intensify pressure on Russia as it launches a record number of drones at Ukrainian cities.
Speaking about a potential meeting with Trump, Zelensky said a new "sanctions package is very important... the final decision is still in the White House, it depends on the president of the United States."
Peace efforts being pushed by Trump and the United States have so far failed to lead to a breakthrough, with Russia rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire.
With AFP
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