Zelenskiy to meet Trump at UN in push for energy truce with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday to advocate for a truce between Russia and Ukraine regarding their energy sector. Zelenskiy expressed concerns over Russia's potential targeting of heating and power facilities during winter due to the escalating aerial attacks from both nations, which have harmed infrastructure and disrupted Black Sea exports.

After discussing over the phone with Trump on Sunday, Zelenskiy mentioned diplomatic progress and ideas for de-escalating the conflict, although Russia has not indicated a desire to halt the air strikes. Despite reports of a possible truce, Russia struck petrol stations in Kyiv the following day, and Ukraine retaliated by bombing a Russian oil refinery.

Trump's approval ratings have plummeted due to soaring gas prices preceding the US midterm elections in November, and he has privately expressed concern over damage inflicted on Russian oil refineries by Ukrainian drone strikes. At the UN gathering, Zelenskiy will also discuss the possibility of Ukraine acquiring US-made Patriot air defense missiles for winter use, should Russia not commit to de-escalation.