Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump about arranging a meeting between the two leaders. The discussion took place ahead of both men’s attendance at the UN General Assembly in New York this week. Zelensky said the planned talks could lead to significant developments in efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The broader Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2014.
The two leaders are expected to be in New York for a series of diplomatic events during the assembly. Zelensky’s office said the presidents agreed during their phone call to meet in New York. An exact time for their meeting was not announced Sunday.
Zelensky described the phone conversation as important and said there was growing diplomatic momentum. He said peace remains Ukraine’s top priority and that Ukrainian and American officials are discussing possible steps toward de-escalation.
The talks are expected to include security issues involving energy, food supplies and the protection of civilians. Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to take serious steps as it works with the American team.
The planned meeting follows a September visit to Kyiv by Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Zelensky thanked Trump for sending the two officials and said their visit allowed them to see conditions in Ukraine firsthand.
Witkoff and Kushner met with Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials on September 7. The talks focused on restarting negotiations aimed at ending the war. Kushner said the U.S. was working with Ukraine and European partners on a framework that could lead to a lasting peace agreement.
The upcoming visit by Zelensky and Trump is part of a larger diplomatic effort in the city. Both leaders are expected to use the UN gathering for meetings with other foreign leaders and officials. Trump has several bilateral meetings planned during his New York visit while Zelensky has also prepared a series of diplomatic meetings.
The UN General Assembly session provides a platform for global leaders to discuss pressing matters. Zelensky’s social media post suggested that the meeting could have a major impact on the war situation. His official statement said the meeting “could change a lot.”
The diplomatic momentum around the two leaders’ potential talks was noted by Zelensky himself. Ukraine has said its discussions with the United States also involve air defense, energy security and possible steps toward reducing attacks.
Zelensky has said Ukraine is willing to consider de-escalation if Russia is prepared to stop attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Earlier this month, Ukrainian officials also said they were open to discussing a maritime ceasefire and an agreement involving energy infrastructure.
The New York meeting comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to negotiate an end to the war. Zelensky said Ukrainian and U.S. negotiating teams remain in close contact and that both sides agree peace should be the goal.