Zelenskiy Says He Discussed Energy Truce, Efforts to End Russia War with Trump

On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with US President Donald Trump at UN headquarters in New York to discuss efforts to end the four-year conflict with Russia, including a potential bilateral ceasefire targeting energy-related facilities. Zelenskiy indicated that Kyiv was open to any format of an energy ceasefire with Moscow, but there was no talk of Ukraine halting its attacks on Russian oil refineries.

Trump, facing low approval ratings due to high gas prices ahead of the US midterm elections, expressed concern over the extensive damage to Russia’s fuel-processing capacity, which he believed was contributing to global diesel price increases. Zelenskiy suggested a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but noted that he had not seen any indication that Putin was willing to engage in talks.

Before their meeting, Trump mentioned discussing Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries, emphasizing the impact on Russian forces and diesel prices. However, the ceasefire quickly unraveled when Russia attacked petrol stations in Kyiv and Ukraine bombed a Russian oil refinery. Earlier in the week, Trump announced the agreement between Ukraine and Russia to halt strikes on energy targets, but any truce was short-lived following the attacks.

Zelenskiy also met with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who reportedly lobbied Trump to push for a Ukraine-Russia energy ceasefire. Burnham pledged further financial support for Ukraine's infrastructure. Faced with intensifying aerial attacks by both sides, Zelenskiy discussed preparations for winter with Trump and requested a package of Patriot air defense missiles to counter Russia’s ballistic missiles.

In exchange, Ukraine would provide future interceptors from its deal with Germany. While Trump has not yet agreed to provide Patriots from US stockpiles, Zelenskiy acknowledged the proposal as a "good step" and mentioned ongoing discussions with a US weapons producer.