President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to journalists about the impact of U.S. sanctions against Russia, new aviation agreements with Sweden, developments on the eastern front, Ukraine’s energy situation, and upcoming international negotiations.
U.S. sanctions to cut Russia’s oil revenues by $5 billion a month
Zelensky said that the sanctions recently imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump would significantly reduce the Kremlin’s financial capacity.
“We believe these sanctions will cut their revenues by at least $5 billion a month. According to our partners, this U.S. decision will affect 56–57% of Russia’s oil exports,” he said.
The president added that he hopes the U.S. Congress will move forward with additional restrictions: “President Trump made a strong step. Now it’s politically important for Congress to show strength and bipartisan unity ahead of the election year.”
Gripen jets: fast training, low cost, and production localization
Zelensky emphasized that Swedish Gripen fighters are highly suitable for Ukraine’s needs due to their operational flexibility and ease of maintenance.
“The Gripen has the lowest maintenance costs, requires a smaller crew, and pilots can be trained in about six months, compared to a year and a half for the F-16. These aircraft can take off and land on highways,” he said.
He added that Gripens can use nearly all types of Western weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal and confirmed that Kyiv and Stockholm have agreed on localizing production of the jets.
Ukraine’s overall need is around 250 modern aircraft, with 150 Gripens already agreed upon. “We are in parallel talks with Sweden, France, and the United States on Gripen, Rafale, and F-16 aircraft,” he said.
Pokrovsk remains Russia’s key target on the eastern front
Zelensky said that Russia’s main goal in the Donetsk region is to capture Pokrovsk to create an illusion of success.
“They need Pokrovsk just to show the Americans that they’re allegedly taking control of eastern Ukraine. But this is a lie. We are holding the city, and that proves why continued support for Ukraine matters,” he said.
He added that Russia has concentrated massive forces near Pokrovsk but has failed to achieve its objectives. “Our drones see about 200 Russian troops in the city, and as soon as they move or fire, they are destroyed,” Zelensky said.
Energy resilience: 70% of gas import funding secured
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has already secured most of the funds needed for gas imports for the heating season.
“Seventy percent of the necessary amount has been found. The government will ensure the rest,” he said, noting that restoration of power infrastructure continues, with the most difficult situation in the city of Shostka.
He also revealed ongoing talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on purchasing additional power generation equipment. “Both Germany and Italy are ready to help. The EU and the Netherlands also expressed readiness to support Ukraine’s energy sector,” he added.
Shahed drones more dangerous than missiles; Ukraine ramps up production
According to the president, the growing number and upgrades of Shahed drones have made them “more dangerous than ballistic missiles.”
“To intercept them, we use everything — F-16s, helicopters, interceptors — depending on the weather,” Zelensky said.
He added that by November, Ukraine plans to reach production of 500–800 interceptor drones per day and to expand the use of “Flamingo” missiles and “Ruta” rocket drones. “Our goal is to scale their use — not one or two, but dozens,” he said.
Dobropillia operation: over 2,200 Russian troops captured
Zelensky reported that during this year, Ukrainian forces captured around 2,200 Russian soldiers in the east.
“Putin wanted Dobropillia, but our troops acted decisively. The Russians suffered major losses — 2,200 prisoners just from the Dobropillia–Pokrovsk sector,” he said.
He added that because Russia has concentrated its main forces near Pokrovsk, it cannot pursue offensives in other directions such as the Sumy region.
Expectations from the Trump–Xi meeting
Zelensky expressed hope that the upcoming October 30 meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping would lead to China reducing imports of Russian energy.
“This could be one of Trump’s strongest steps if China agrees to scale back its purchases. India has already signaled its intention to reduce Russian imports,” he said.
Talks with Europe on energy support
Zelensky said he has ongoing discussions with European leaders to strengthen Ukraine’s energy system.
“There are two companies — one in Germany and one in Italy — that can produce the necessary equipment. I asked Chancellor Merz to redirect humanitarian funding toward buying this equipment. Prime Minister Meloni is also considering both gas and equipment supply options,” he said.
He added that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Netherlands had also confirmed their willingness to assist with an energy aid package.