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. The high-stakes talks come as the US administration intensifies efforts to secure a diplomatic de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia.
According to an Axios report, Rustem Umerov—Ukraine's chief negotiator and head of its Foreign Intelligence Service—was working with White House envoys in to arrange the talks.
The meeting was finalised following a phone call that President Zelenskyy described as a crucial step forward.
"I just spoke with President Trump. An important conversation, and we got through a lot. We agreed to meet in New York, and this meeting could change a lot. There is diplomatic momentum," Zelenskyy posted on X.
Axios reported that Trump reiterated his demand for Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes disrupt global fuel supplies and drive up diesel prices.
Zelenskyy had previously indicated that Ukraine might consider halting strikes on Russian energy facilities, if Moscow offers firm guarantees against attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the peace track remains Kyiv's top priority, with ongoing discussions centered on energy security, food supplies, and the protection of civilian lives.
The upcoming meeting between the US and Ukraine leaders follows closely on the heels of a sweeping Russia sanctions bill signed by President Trump. The new legislation authorizes the president to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.
This measure marks the most significant Ukraine-related sanctions package passed by the US Congress since Trump returned to the White House.
