Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in New York for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on a possible agreement to halt Russian and Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure.
The meeting, taking place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, comes amid an intensifying exchange of missile and drone attacks that has damaged power stations, oil refineries, ports and other critical facilities in both countries.
Zelensky is seeking American support for a reciprocal de-escalation arrangement under which Russia would stop attacking Ukraine’s electricity network, heating infrastructure and export facilities. Kyiv, in return, would consider suspending its strikes on Russian energy targets.
The Ukrainian leader said there was renewed “diplomatic momentum” and an opportunity to discuss practical steps toward de-escalation. However, no formal truce had been announced before the meeting, and Russia had not publicly indicated that it was prepared to pause its aerial campaign.
Ukraine is particularly concerned that Russia could launch another large-scale campaign against its power and heating systems during the approaching winter. Previous strikes have left millions of Ukrainians facing blackouts, restricted heating and damage to essential public services.
Kyiv has responded by expanding long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure. Ukrainian officials view those operations as an important source of pressure on Moscow because energy exports help finance Russia’s war effort.
Trump, however, has expressed concern that attacks on Russian refineries are contributing to global diesel shortages and higher fuel prices. He reportedly asked Zelensky to halt those operations as part of a broader attempt to reduce hostilities.
Ukraine is reluctant to stop its attacks unilaterally. Officials in Kyiv argue that any suspension must be matched by a verifiable Russian commitment to stop targeting Ukrainian energy facilities, ports and civilian infrastructure.
Previous efforts to establish an energy ceasefire have failed. Trump recently suggested that the two sides had agreed not to strike energy targets, but attacks resumed almost immediately, with Russia hitting facilities in Ukraine and Ukrainian forces targeting another Russian refinery.
The New York discussions are also expected to address Ukraine’s urgent requirement for additional air-defense systems. Zelensky is seeking more American-made Patriot batteries and interceptor missiles before winter.
Russia has increased its use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered attack drones in recent months. Patriot systems are among the few weapons capable of intercepting some of the ballistic missiles used against Ukrainian cities, but Ukraine has a limited supply of both launchers and interceptors.
The latest diplomatic effort is unfolding as Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging deadly strikes. Russian attacks hit several Ukrainian regions shortly before Zelensky’s trip, while Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region.
Beyond energy infrastructure, discussions could include attacks affecting Black Sea shipping and Ukrainian agricultural exports. Damage to ports, ships and storage facilities has disrupted grain supplies and contributed to concerns about food security in vulnerable countries.
Any workable arrangement would require clear definitions of protected facilities, independent monitoring and consequences for violations. It would also need Russia’s participation, meaning the Trump–Zelensky talks alone cannot produce a binding ceasefire.
Nevertheless, Ukraine hopes the meeting will secure stronger American support for reciprocal de-escalation—or, if Russia refuses, additional air-defense capabilities to protect Ukrainian cities and essential infrastructure through the winter.
