'Putin Is Testing The World': Zelenskyy Urges Tougher Actions As Trump Signals Sanctions On Russia

Last Updated:September 08, 2025, 08:14 IST

Zelenskyy urged tougher sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia after Moscow’s aerial strikes on Kyiv. Donald Trump, meanwhile, signaled readiness for new sanctions.

File photo of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Credits: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday urged world leaders to take stronger actions against Russia following what he described as “brazen attacks" by Moscow on Kyiv on Sunday.

In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said Russia was deliberately trying to inflict pain on Ukraine and testing the international community’s resolve.

He stressed that statements of support must be backed by concrete measures, including harsher sanctions, tariffs, and restrictions on trade with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader also underscored the importance of boosting Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, saying Moscow was not interested in negotiations and should face mounting economic pressure.

“It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks," Zelenskyy wrote in an X post.

“This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world – whether they will accept or tolerate this," he added.

“That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia," the Ukrainian President wrote in a series of posts.

“Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing," he added.

“Equally important – our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia’s fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders’ level," Zelenskyy wrote.

In a video message on X, Zelenskyy acknowledged the damage in Ukraine due to the Russian strikes and said more than 40 people were reported injured, while he extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack.

“It is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia," the Ukrainian President said.

As Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early Sunday, killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia, after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine.

Trump told reporters after the assault that he was “not happy with the whole situation" and said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said he was counting on a “strong" US response.

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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