Zelenskyy, Trump Set for UN Talks as Ukraine Pushes for Russia Energy Truce

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in New York on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with Kyiv seeking an agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia.

The meeting comes as Ukraine prepares for the winter months amid concerns that Russian strikes could intensify against heating and electricity facilities. At the same time, Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have damaged parts of Moscow's fuel infrastructure, adding another dimension to the discussions over an energy ceasefire.

Zelenskyy said after a phone conversation with Trump on Sunday that there was diplomatic momentum and that the two sides were discussing possible measures to reduce tensions. He has argued that Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure and food-export facilities should stop, with Kyiv prepared to take corresponding de-escalation measures.

The proposed truce faces difficulties, however. Trump had previously said that Russia and Ukraine had agreed not to target each other's energy facilities. The understanding was quickly undermined by further attacks, including a Russian strike on petrol stations in Kyiv and a Ukrainian attack on a Russian oil refinery.

Trump has also expressed concern over Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, linking the attacks to pressure on fuel supplies and rising diesel prices. He has urged Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian diesel facilities.

For Kyiv, stopping attacks on Russian energy facilities without a reciprocal commitment from Moscow remains a concern. Zelenskyy's government has previously said Ukraine would be prepared to halt such strikes if Russia provides credible assurances that it will also stop attacks on Ukrainian energy and critical infrastructure.

The Zelenskyy-Trump meeting is taking place during the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN, where the war in Ukraine and wider efforts toward de-escalation are expected to remain major issues. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is also expected in New York and is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

The discussions could therefore provide another opportunity to examine whether a limited agreement focused on energy infrastructure can be established, even as broader fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues.