Trump to meet Zelenskyy at UN in high-stakes push for Russia energy truce

Major update reveals Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump are meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss a potential mutual "energy truce" between Ukraine and Russia.

The talks follow a high-stakes phone call where President Trump pressed Kyiv to halt its long-range drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Trump expressed acute concern over surging global diesel prices and energy market stability.

After speaking to Trump by phone on Sunday, Zelenskyy noted what he described as "diplomatic momentum" and "ideas for de-escalation steps", although Russia, which has more missile firepower, has not signaled it seeks to pause the air war.

"Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to matching de-escalation steps on our part. Solutions are possible," Zelensky wrote on X on Monday.

Trump has expressed concern over the extensive damage done to Russian oil refineries that have been pummeled by Ukrainian drone attacks.

Zelenskyy has signaled openness to a reciprocal freeze—agreeing to halt strikes on Russian energy and food infrastructure only if Moscow commits to a reliable, long-term halt on its devastating attacks targeting Ukraine's power grid and heating facilities ahead of winter.

Following the diplomatic momentum, Zelenskyy described the upcoming discussion as an "important conversation" that could heavily influence the trajectory of the conflict, balancing international pressure over fuel costs with Ukraine's demand for enforceable security guarantees against Russian escalation.

Trump announced last week that Ukraine and Russia had agreed not to strike energy targets, but any semblance of a truce disappeared when Russia hit petrol stations in Kyiv the following day and Ukraine bombed a Russian oil refinery.

Some critics see Trump's focus on the Ukraine conflict as a deflection from his war on Iran, which has led to a significant spike in global energy prices.

Zelenskiy's meeting with Trump will take place at the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also expected in New York and due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.