Leaders explore de-escalation measures, energy ceasefire and Patriot missile production as Washington seeks renewed momentum in peace efforts
New York, September 2026 : US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have discussed steps aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine before winter, with the two leaders focusing on possible de-escalation measures, energy infrastructure and continued US support for Kyiv.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Trump said he had developed a strong working relationship with Zelensky and expressed confidence that the two sides could make progress towards a settlement.
“We have a very good relationship going, the two of us, and we're — the president and I are trying to figure out a solution,” Trump said before the talks. “And I think it's going to happen. I really do; I believe it's going to happen.”
Zelensky thanked Trump for Washington’s continued support and said Ukraine wanted the conflict to end as quickly as possible, preferably before the onset of winter. He also acknowledged bipartisan backing in the United States, including support associated with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
“I hope that we will end this war and President Trump will help us to end this war,” Zelensky said. “And I think that we needed to do as quick as possible, before winter.”
Trump echoed the urgency, saying an agreement before winter would be significant. Neither leader disclosed specific territorial or political terms under discussion, and Trump avoided outlining what concessions either side might be required to make.
“Well, I think they're going to make a deal and I don't want to say what the deal is,” Trump said, adding that he had discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well.
The talks came as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continued, with both sides carrying out strikes against military and energy-related targets. Zelensky subsequently said Ukraine was prepared to support a reciprocal “energy ceasefire” under which both sides would halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Kyiv has said it would stop striking Russian energy facilities if Moscow agrees to the same arrangement.
Trump also commented on Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil refineries, describing them as a serious blow to Russia while linking the attacks to pressure on diesel prices. Ukraine has defended such strikes as part of its efforts to disrupt Russia’s war infrastructure.
The issue of military assistance also featured prominently in the discussions. Zelensky has been seeking greater US support for Ukraine’s air defence ahead of winter, when attacks on energy infrastructure could further affect electricity and heating supplies.
The Ukrainian president said the two leaders discussed support for domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles. According to Zelensky, discussions over production licences could help Ukraine strengthen its long-term air-defence capabilities, while additional air-defence support remains important for the coming winter.
Trump did not make a specific commitment on Patriot production before the meeting but said the issue would be discussed. Ukraine has been seeking the ability to produce Patriot interceptors domestically with US authorisation.
The possibility of a future meeting involving Trump, Zelensky and Putin was also raised. Trump said Putin was willing to meet and referred to his previous meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska. He did not, however, commit to a specific location or date for another three-way meeting.
Zelensky has said that direct engagement involving the three leaders could help advance negotiations, while Moscow has continued to maintain positions on territory and other issues that remain major obstacles to a settlement.
The latest Trump-Zelensky meeting followed a September 6 visit to Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. During those discussions, Ukrainian officials said the sides had exchanged proposals aimed at creating a framework for a durable peace and discussed preparations for further negotiations.
The New York talks came as Washington renewed efforts to create momentum around negotiations, even as military activity continued on the ground. Zelensky has stressed that any diplomatic initiative must be accompanied by measures that protect Ukraine, particularly its airspace and critical infrastructure.
Both leaders publicly expressed an interest in ending the war before winter, but no concrete agreement emerged from their meeting. The immediate focus is expected to remain on possible reciprocal restrictions on attacks against energy facilities, additional air-defence support and efforts to bring Moscow back into direct negotiations.
For Kyiv, the discussions also reflect the importance of maintaining US support as the war enters another winter. For Washington, the meeting represents another attempt to advance diplomacy while addressing the military and economic pressures surrounding the conflict.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
