US President Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Tuesday, as the US continues to push for de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting, organized on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, is expected to focus on steps towards reducing hostilities and reviving negotiations. This meeting follows a phone conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy, during which they agreed to meet in New York.
According to reports, Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov has been working with White House envoys to arrange the talks. Zelenskyy described the conversation with Trump as important and said it had generated diplomatic momentum. He expressed optimism that the meeting could change a lot in the ongoing conflict. The two leaders are expected to discuss key issues, including energy infrastructure and security concerns.
During the phone conversation, Trump repeatedly urged Zelenskyy to halt Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, citing disruptions in fuel supplies and higher diesel prices. A source familiar with the conversation confirmed that the issue of diesel was mentioned multiple times. This issue has emerged as a key element of US efforts to reduce tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy has previously indicated that Ukraine could halt strikes on Russian energy facilities if Russia provides firm guarantees against attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure. He thanked Trump for sending US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv, saying they had reviewed key issues and seen the situation in Ukraine firsthand. Zelenskyy emphasized that the peace track is Ukraine's number one priority.
The New York meeting comes as the war continues to intensify, with Russia and Ukraine carrying out long-range attacks despite diplomatic efforts. US officials have been exploring possible short-term de-escalation measures while seeking to restart broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. The talks will take place as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
The Ukraine conflict is expected to remain a major issue discussed during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. Axios previously reported that Washington was examining the possibility of winter de-escalation steps between Russia and Ukraine as part of efforts to revive negotiations. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is seen as a crucial step towards achieving de-escalation.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The two leaders will discuss key issues, including energy infrastructure and security concerns. The US continues to push for de-escalation, and the meeting is expected to generate momentum towards achieving a peaceful resolution.
Key points
- US President Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Tuesday to discuss de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine.