Zelensky heads to US seeking security guarantees as Russia escalates strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is travelling to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump, stressing the need for firm security guarantees as Russia launched a massive new attack on Ukraine. Speaking en route, Zelensky said Ukraine would not legally recognise any occupied territories and highlighted red-line issues, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He underscored the importance of European support, additional air defence systems and missiles, and warned that Russia’s strikes show its true response to peace efforts. Zelensky also said any future election or referendum would require full security, nationwide participation and international observers.