Summary
- At the same time, Ukraine has said it is prepared to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow makes a reliable and long-term commitment to halt strikes against Ukraine’s energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.
- Ukraine is particularly concerned about Russian strikes on power and heating facilities ahead of winter, while Moscow has faced Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure.
- The two sides had previously discussed an energy ceasefire, and Trump announced on September 14 that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump are due to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss a potential mutual “energy truce” between Ukraine and Russia.
The meeting follows a high-stakes phone call on Sunday in which Trump pressed Kyiv to halt its long-range drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries, amid concerns over rising global diesel prices and energy market stability.
After speaking with Trump, Zelenskyy said there was “diplomatic momentum” and that ideas for de-escalation were being discussed. However, Russia has not indicated that it is prepared to halt its aerial attacks.
Zelenskyy wrote on X on Monday that Russia must stop targeting Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure and food exports, saying this would lead to “matching de-escalation steps” by Ukraine. He said the issue would be discussed with international partners on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Trump has repeatedly expressed concern about Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have disrupted parts of Russia’s energy sector. At the same time, Ukraine has said it is prepared to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow makes a reliable and long-term commitment to halt strikes against Ukraine’s energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The proposed arrangement comes as both sides have intensified attacks on energy and other infrastructure. Ukraine is particularly concerned about Russian strikes on power and heating facilities ahead of winter, while Moscow has faced Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure.
The two sides had previously discussed an energy ceasefire, and Trump announced on September 14 that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. However, the understanding quickly broke down after renewed attacks, with Kyiv questioning whether Moscow was prepared to make a lasting commitment.
The upcoming meeting could therefore focus on whether a new arrangement can be made more reliable and reciprocal. Zelenskyy has also been seeking additional U.S. air-defense support, including Patriot missile systems, as Russian drone and missile attacks continue.
Trump and Zelenskyy are meeting during the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also in New York, where he is expected to hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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