President Donald Trump may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, as NATO faces pressure to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to counter Russian aerial threats. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the potential meeting, emphasizing Trump’s efforts to mediate peace talks with Russia. Meanwhile, Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, called for NATO to establish a no-fly zone to protect not only Ukraine but also neighboring allies from Russian drone attacks. However, the proposal has faced resistance, as NATO previously rejected similar requests and Russia warned of a potential conflict if the idea is implemented.
The potential meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes as the U.S. president continues to push for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Trump has expressed frustration with Russia’s actions and has threatened to impose further sanctions, although no concrete measures have been taken yet. His administration has been under pressure from both domestic and international allies to take a stronger stance against Moscow, but Trump has hesitated to escalate tensions, fearing the consequences of a broader conflict. This hesitation is mirrored in the NATO stance, which has avoided direct military confrontation with Russia, opting instead for a defensive posture.
Russia has clearly stated its opposition to any NATO-led no-fly zone over Ukraine, warning that such measures would constitute direct involvement in the war. Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned on social media that the idea of a no-fly zone would lead to a ‘war between NATO and Russia.’ These statements underscore the geopolitical risks associated with any such move, as the potential for escalation remains high. Poland’s call for a no-fly zone reflects the growing concerns of NATO allies about the safety of their own territories, especially with Russia’s increasing use of drones to conduct attacks in the region.
Despite these pressures, the administration of President Joe Biden has not endorsed the no-fly zone proposal, and it remains unclear whether the current leadership of the United States would take a similar stance. Trump’s recent meetings and discussions with Zelenskyy suggest that he remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution, but the political landscape and international dynamics continue to complicate the path to peace. For now, the U.S. and its allies are caught in a delicate balancing act, trying to support Ukraine while avoiding direct confrontation with Russia.