Trump to press Zelenskyy for energy ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations in New York, with an energy truce with Russia expected to be a key issue in the talks, Reuters reports.

Kyiv fears Russia is preparing to intensify attacks on heating and power facilities this winter, as escalating aerial strikes by both sides have damaged ports, warehouses, ships and energy infrastructure while disrupting Black Sea exports.

Following a phone call with Trump on September 20, Zelenskyy said there was “diplomatic momentum” and “ideas for de-escalation steps.” However, Russia, which possesses greater missile capabilities, has not indicated that it is seeking to halt the air war.

“Ukraine's energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to matching de-escalation steps on our part. Solutions are possible,” Zelenskyy wrote on X on September 21.

Trump has expressed concern over extensive damage to Russian oil refineries targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, as global energy prices have risen sharply. Last week, he said Russia and Ukraine had agreed not to target energy facilities, but the apparent truce quickly collapsed after Russia struck petrol stations in Kyiv and Ukraine attacked a Russian oil refinery.

Trump’s focus on the Ukraine conflict has also drawn criticism from some observers, who argue that it could divert attention from the war in Iran and its impact on global energy prices.

The meeting will take place during the annual UN gathering of world leaders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected in New York and is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil industry due to its War with Ukraine” and “the whole World suffers”.

“This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended,” Trump wrote.

A person familiar with the matter said an energy ceasefire was among the issues under discussion and that Trump had asked Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries as part of broader de-escalation efforts.

Kyiv, however, is reluctant to act unilaterally, viewing strikes on Russia’s oil industry as a key means of pressuring Moscow toward negotiations.

By Vafa Guliyeva