Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The discussions will focus on two critical topics: a potential partial ceasefire with Russia and Ukraine’s urgent need for Patriot missile interceptors.
Zelensky plans to advocate for a truce concerning Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which are feared to intensify this winter. Both sides have ramped up aerial assaults, impacting ports, warehouses, ships, and energy infrastructure, consequently paralyzing exports from the Black Sea, as reported by Reuters.
Following a phone call with Trump on Sunday, Zelensky expressed a “diplomatic push” and proposed ideas for de-escalating the conflict. However, Russia, possessing greater missile firepower, has shown no intention of halting its air campaign.
“Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must cease being targets for Russia, which would lead to appropriate de-escalation measures from our side. Solutions are possible,” Zelensky stated on X.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to Attend as Well
Trump has also voiced concerns regarding the repercussions of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, suggesting they contribute to rising fuel prices in the U.S.
Last week, Trump announced that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to refrain from attacking energy sector targets. However, the day after this announcement, Russia struck gasoline stations in Kyiv, while Ukraine targeted a Russian oil refinery.
Some critics argue that Trump’s focus on the Ukraine conflict serves as a distraction from the war against Iran, which has significantly raised global energy prices.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump occurs during the annual UN General Assembly. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also expected to be in New York and is set to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.
Trump’s Remarks
On Monday, Trump remarked on Truth Social that “unfortunately, Russia has lost control of its diesel industry due to the war with Ukraine,” adding that “the entire world is suffering.” He insisted, “This ridiculous and endless war with Ukraine must end.”
A source familiar with the discussions revealed that an energy-related ceasefire was among the topics addressed, with Trump urging Zelensky to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries as part of a broader effort to de-escalate the conflict.
However, Kyiv remains hesitant to act alone, believing that damaging Russia’s vital oil industry is the most effective way to compel Moscow to negotiate.
On Sunday, a Ukrainian drone attack killed three individuals and struck a Moscow oil refinery during tightly controlled Russian elections that reinforced the ruling ‘United Russia’ party’s power in parliament.
Complex Trump-Zelensky Relationship
The relationship between Zelensky and Trump has been marked by instability. In February 2025, a meeting in the Oval Office escalated into a confrontation, while last year’s UN meeting triggered a sudden rhetorical shift from Trump in favor of Zelensky, asserting that Ukraine could drive Russia out of all Ukrainian territory.
On Tuesday, Zelensky is also expected to discuss with Trump how Ukraine can secure new U.S.-manufactured Patriot interceptors for the winter season, in case Russia remains unwilling to ease tensions, according to a knowledgeable source.
In recent months, Russia has significantly increased its use of jet-powered drones to attack Ukraine, and in July launched the highest number of ballistic missiles in a single month since the war began.
This escalation presents a major challenge for Ukraine, as these missiles can only be intercepted by the currently insufficient Patriot missiles.
Macron’s Intervention
French President Emmanuel Macron reported on Monday that he discussed negotiations aimed at securing an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia with Trump.
After their meeting, Macron told reporters that their conversation was “very good” and “very constructive” regarding the conflict, emphasizing the need to help Kyiv strengthen its defenses.
“We had an extensive discussion about Ukraine and Russia, about the necessity to assist our Ukrainian friends more quickly and more firmly concerning interception systems, as this is a key defensive issue,” Macron said.
Although he did not provide specifics, Macron noted that they also focused on the idea of ceasing attacks on the energy sector.
The French leader underscored that supporting Ukraine’s energy system remains a priority, as the war continues to impact security across Europe, expressing hope for progress during the annual UN leaders’ meeting.
