Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with US President Donald Trump next week during the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelensky's office announced on 20/9. The meeting will focus on ensuring Ukraine's security and sanctions against Russia.

"We expect sanctions if a meeting between the leaders of the parties cannot be facilitated or if there's no ceasefire," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader added that he is prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I've spoken about this, agreed to both bilateral and trilateral meetings, but he is not ready," he said.

President Trump (left) welcomes President Zelensky at the White House on 18/8. Photo: AP

President Trump (left) welcomes President Zelensky at the White House on 18/8. Photo: AP

Zelensky's comments followed a large-scale Russian air attack on Ukraine on the night of 19/9 involving 40 missiles and about 580 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The attack killed at least 3 people and injured dozens, according to Zelensky.

"In the latest attack, a missile with a cluster warhead directly hit an apartment building in the center of Dnipro," the Ukrainian president said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the same day that it had carried out a large-scale coordinated attack targeting Ukrainian defense industry plants, including the development site of the Sapsan tactical ballistic missile. Facilities manufacturing UAVs, cruise missiles, drone interceptors, and combat robots were also targeted.

Thanh Tam (AFP)