Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is prepared to agree to an “energy ceasefire” with Russia if Moscow halts attacks on critical infrastructure, including energy, electricity, heating, and water supplies. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict and urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy said such a meeting among key leaders is crucial to accelerate efforts to bring the war to an end.

During their discussion, Zelenskyy and Trump also focused on boosting U.S. military support to Ukraine, including the supply and domestic production licenses of Patriot missile systems to help Ukraine defend against ongoing threats. Despite Ukraine’s preparedness for an energy truce, Zelenskyy expressed doubt about Russia’s current willingness to reciprocate but stressed the importance of moving swiftly toward peace. Trump highlighted the deteriorating situation of Russia’s diesel and oil industries, a consequence of the conflict, which has also driven energy prices globally to new highs.

Zelenskyy further called on Trump to engage Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing Xi’s significant influence over Putin as a potential lever to pressure Russia toward negotiations. This diplomatic appeal comes as Ukraine braces for another difficult winter amid continued Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. While Ukraine views Russian energy sites as legitimate military targets amid its defense efforts, Russia has threatened “massive strikes” on Ukraine’s infrastructure in retaliation, escalating concerns over the humanitarian and economic impact.

The Kremlin, however, remained skeptical about direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy without prior expert-level negotiations, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov commenting that any meeting would be premature. Despite this, Zelenskyy reiterated his readiness to meet any time all parties involved agree, emphasizing that ending the war requires urgent and continuous collaboration. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue amid shifting global priorities as the U.S. increases focus on the conflict with Iran while maintaining support for Ukraine.