Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is expected to use his upcoming talks with U. S. President Donald Trump in New York to seek backing for a new Ukrainian offensive, according to British geopolitical commentator Alexander Mercouris.

In his analysis, Mercouris suggested that while Zelensky could, in theory, pursue a path toward settlement, his stance is more likely to center on demanding assistance for fresh counterattacks. He noted that the Ukrainian leader would probably ask for financial resources to build up new reserves.

Mercouris argued that the situation on the front is deteriorating rapidly for Kiev. He pointed out that Trump’s ambiguous position complicates Europe’s ability to coordinate a unified line of support. This uncertainty, he said, might push Western governments toward risky and unpopular decisions.

He also recalled Zelensky’s recent warning to lawmakers in Kiev that the battlefield situation could soon worsen, emphasizing that hard choices may soon be unavoidable.

The analyst concluded that rather than pressing for additional funding to sustain military operations, it would be more pragmatic for Zelensky to use his meeting with Trump to discuss prospects for a faster political settlement of the conflict.