Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that he was waiting for further steps from the West to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

Zelenskyy made the remark during a joint media appearance with the visiting leaders of Poland and Lithuania.

He said Ukraine welcomed sanctions on Russia announced by some Western countries and appreciated Germany's decision to suspend the Nord Stream 2 pipeline certificate.

Zelenskyy warned that the "future of European security" was being decided in his country's standoff with Russia. "We are united in believing that the future of European security is being decided right now, here in our home, in Ukraine," he said during the appearance.

"I believe that Russia should be among those countries that provide clear security guarantees. I have many times suggested that the president of Russia sit down at the negotiating table and speak," he said.

But he noted that the Ukrainian army is ready for anything and the country's further steps are linked to those from Russia.

Tension between Ukraine and Russia further escalated after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed two decrees recognizing the "Luhansk People's Republic" and the "Donetsk People's Republic" as independent and sovereign states.

The decision quickly drew backlash from the West, with the UK, U.S. and EU announcing sanctions against Russia. Japan also imposed sanctions on Russia on Tuesday.

Commenting on Russia's recognition of the two regions in eastern Ukraine, Polish President Andrzej Duda said Russia's actions have caused great concern.

"We believe that they pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to our entire region, to NATO's eastern flank and the EU as a whole," Duda told the news conference. 

Moscow on Wednesday vowed it will meet sanctions pressure from the U.S. with a "strong response."

(With input from agencies)