The President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, agreed to meet in New York to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, in a new attempt by Washington to promote a negotiated exit to the conflict.
The meeting was confirmed by Zelensky this Saturday, after having a phone conversation with Trump. The Ukrainian leader described the dialogue as important and stated that the upcoming meeting could lead to significant changes in the diplomatic process.
''This meeting could change a lot. There is diplomatic momentum,'' Zelensky asserted, placing the pursuit of peace as the main priority of the discussions with the U.S. administration.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky will meet again to discuss a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine
The Ukrainian president also highlighted the recent trip to Kyiv by Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to Zelensky, both officials discussed fundamental issues with Ukrainian authorities and had the opportunity to directly understand the situation the country is facing after more than four years of war.
The talks between Washington and Kyiv include possible measures to reduce the intensity of clashes and address security issues deemed essential for Ukraine. Zelensky specifically mentioned the protection of energy infrastructure, food supply, and the defense of the civilian population.
Contact between Trump and Zelensky comes as the White House intensifies its efforts to regain a diplomatic path in a conflict that continues to provoke attacks against military, energy, and logistical infrastructure. Washington seeks to use its contacts with both sides to create conditions that allow for broader negotiations to advance.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the visit of American representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Ukraine
In parallel, Trump reinforced economic pressure on Russia by signing on September 18 the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act, legislation that expands sanctions against Moscow and authorizes new trade measures against countries that purchase Russian energy.
The law includes tariffs of up to 100% on certain products from countries that maintain significant purchases of Russian oil and gas. The measure specifically targets large buyers of Russian energy and expands the economic pressure tools available to the U.S. administration.
Zelensky thanked Trump for enacting the legislation and emphasized that the United States is combining economic pressure and diplomacy in its strategy against Russia. For Kyiv, the new sanctions can help limit the resources Moscow uses to finance its war effort.
The new legislation also represents an additional element of pressure at a time when Russia and Ukraine are conducting attacks against strategic targets. In recent days, both sides have intensified operations against energy and logistical facilities, despite the diplomatic efforts promoted by Washington.
President Trump recently signed a law that expands sanctions for those countries that proceed with the purchase of Russian energy resources
Even amid this escalation, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to take significant measures to move towards a reduction of hostilities. The Ukrainian president maintained that there are concrete proposals on de-escalation and fundamental security issues that will be discussed with the Trump administration.
The U.S. strategy thus combines two fronts: increasing pressure on Moscow through sanctions and keeping the diplomatic channel open with Kyiv and other actors involved in the conflict. For the White House, both tools can be used simultaneously to try to create favorable conditions for negotiation.
