Trump is expected to press Zelensky to accept a Russia-Ukraine energy truce at their NYC meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York on September 22. According to The Guardian, Trump is expected to urge Zelensky to accept an energy truce with Russia. The two leaders discussed diesel fuel on their phone call on September 20, with sources telling the Financial Times the conversation was dominated by "diesel, diesel, diesel."

Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia's diesel production and has asked Zelensky to cease the attacks. In September 14, Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop striking each other's energy infrastructure, though this was later deemed premature as Russia continued to strike energy facilities in Ukraine.

Following Russia's recent attack on September 22, several Ukrainian regions lost electricity. Ukrainian President Zelensky has proposed a list of facilities Russia should include in the energy ceasefire, emphasizing the need for de-escalation on both sides. The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, as the leaders' previous encounter in February 2025 ended in a heated exchange.