US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet in New York during the United Nations General Assembly this week, as Washington and Kyiv continue discussions on possible steps toward de-escalating the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelenskyy confirmed the planned meeting after speaking with Trump by phone on September 20. He described the conversation as important and said there was diplomatic momentum around efforts to advance the peace process. What Will Trump and Zelenskyy Discuss? According to Zelenskyy, the discussions are expected to include possible de-escalation measures and fundamental security issues. He specifically referred to energy security, food security and the protection of human life as areas being discussed with the US administration. He also said Ukraine was ready to take serious steps as part of the diplomatic process. The meeting comes as the United States seeks to revive negotiations aimed at finding a path toward ending the war. Why Is the New York Meeting Important? The meeting is taking place during a major diplomatic gathering, with world leaders arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly. The Russia-Ukraine war is expected to remain an important international issue during the General Assembly, with discussions also covering wider global security concerns. Zelenskyy has indicated that the peace process remains Ukraine's top priority. The two sides are also discussing ideas that could reduce tensions while broader negotiations continue. What Has the US Done to Advance the Talks? US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently travelled to Kyiv after talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy said their visit to Kyiv allowed the US representatives to discuss key issues with the Ukrainian side and see the situation in Ukraine directly. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy also said Washington was exploring possible winter de-escalation measures involving areas such as energy infrastructure, grain shipments, electricity facilities and oil and gas exports. What Has Trump Asked Zelenskyy? The meeting also comes after Trump urged Zelenskyy during a recent phone conversation to stop Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, according to reports. The issue is part of wider discussions over military activity, energy infrastructure and the economic effects of the war. What Happens Next? The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting is expected to take place during the UN General Assembly in New York. No specific agreement or outcome has been announced in advance. The discussions are expected to provide another opportunity for Washington and Kyiv to examine de-escalation measures and the broader diplomatic processTimeline September 5: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Putin in Moscow. September 6: The US envoys travelled to Kyiv for discussions with Zelenskyy. September 20: Trump and Zelenskyy spoke by phone and agreed to meet in New York. September 21: The UN General Assembly week began in New York, with Ukraine expected to be a major topic. This week: Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to hold their meeting in New York.
