Kyiv pushes for sanctions as NATO members along Europe’s eastern border take precautionary steps following Russian airspace violations.
Published On 20 Sep 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to engage with US President Donald Trump during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, aiming to advocate for intensified sanctions against Russia.
This development comes amid escalating Russian military actions targeting Ukraine, including recent airspace violations along Europe’s eastern borders, which have heightened fears of the conflict spilling beyond Ukrainian territory.
Following the European Union’s announcement of its 19th sanctions package, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the United States to take parallel decisive measures.
“Europe has fulfilled its role; now we anticipate robust sanctions from the US,” Zelenskyy stated on X, underscoring the urgency of coordinated international pressure.
This week brought us closer to finalizing the 19th sanctions package – we expect its approval soon. We will quickly synchronize the package in Ukraine. Russia’s energy resources are being restricted. The infrastructure of the “shadow fleet” will face new pressure. Cryptocurrency… pic.twitter.com/JzgvsQQHHQ
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 20, 2025
Last week, Trump indicated his willingness to enforce “significant sanctions” on Russia, contingent upon unanimous NATO agreement to cease all oil imports from Moscow.
In addition to sanctions, Zelenskyy plans to discuss security assurances to safeguard Ukraine from future Russian aggression post-conflict, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s firm stance against Western military presence on Ukrainian soil.
Overnight, Moscow intensified its offensive, launching a massive assault involving 40 missiles and approximately 580 drones, resulting in multiple casualties and numerous injuries.
Bolstering Defenses Along the Eastern Border
In response to recent Russian drone violations in Poland and Romania, coupled with an unprecedented incursion by three Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace, NATO members have escalated defensive operations along Europe’s eastern frontier.
Polish military authorities reported deploying both national and allied aircraft early Saturday in a preemptive mission to secure Polish airspace following Russian strikes near the Polish-Ukrainian border.
The United Kingdom contributed by dispatching fighter jets on their inaugural NATO air defense patrol over Poland, as part of the alliance’s Eastern Sentry initiative aimed at deterring aerial threats from Russia.
While Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the Estonian airspace breach, Estonian officials confirmed the 12-minute violation through radar and visual tracking.
Colonel Ants Kiviselg, head of Estonia’s Military Intelligence Centre, noted that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the incursion was intentional.
