Zelensky arrives in New York ahead of UNGA, plans to meet with Trump in push for truce with Russia
The two leaders' meeting comes as Kyiv and Moscow trade attacks on energy infrastructure ahead of winter, with Ukraine warning of renewed strikes on its power grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, where he will push for an energy truce with Russia. Ukrainians fear Russia is preparing to strike heating and power facilities this winter following intensifying attacks that have battered ports, warehouses and energy infrastructure.
Zelensky arrived in the United States overnight ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he is set to hold around 20 meetings with officials and organizations, including European leaders, US senators and House members, and international business figures. A new drone deal is ready to be signed, Zelensky said.
In a post on X, Zelensky said "there are concrete security proposals and de-escalation measures that could bring the end of the war closer," adding that Ukraine is "working to strengthen air defense and ensure sufficient financing for Ukraine." Zelensky also said, "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."
https://x.com/i/web/status/2102212268444320176
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Trump has expressed concern over damage to Russian oil refineries from Ukrainian drone strikes, writing on Truth Social that "Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil industry due to its War with Ukraine" and that "the whole World suffers." A person familiar with the matter said Trump had asked Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian refineries as part of a broader de-escalation push, though Kyiv views the damage as leverage to bring Moscow to the table.
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Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, traveled to Kyiv and Moscow earlier this month to advance peace talks. Trump has also signed a sanctions bill authorizing a 100% tariff on buyers of Russian oil and gas, and the State Department approved a possible $2.7 billion sale of Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine.
The relationship between Zelensky and Trump has fluctuated since Trump took office, including a February 2025 Oval Office clash and a shift toward Ukraine's favor at last year's UN meeting. Russian FM Sergei Lavrov is also expected in New York, with a meeting planned with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.