Zelenskyy Says Diplomatic Momentum Is Growing

Zelenskyy said there is diplomatic momentum around efforts to resolve the conflict and that his planned meeting with Trump in New York could influence the next stage of discussions.

The meeting is expected to take place during the U.N. General Assembly, where both leaders are scheduled to be in New York.

Zelenskyy did not provide details about the exact timing or agenda of the meeting.

Witkoff and Kushner's Kyiv Visit Discussed

Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for sending U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv.

Witkoff and Kushner visited Kyiv earlier this month after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Their discussions with Zelenskyy were part of U.S. efforts to revive negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Zelenskyy said he and Trump reviewed the key details of the envoys' visit and emphasized that the U.S. representatives had seen the situation in Ukraine firsthand.

Peace Process Remains Ukraine's Priority

According to Zelenskyy, the peace track is Ukraine's "number one priority."

He said Ukraine is prepared to work with the United States on what he described as serious steps toward de-escalation. The issues under discussion include energy security, food security and measures intended to protect human life.

The comments come as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange attacks while diplomatic efforts remain active.

Security Issues at the Center of Discussions

Zelenskyy's comments indicate that any potential diplomatic process would involve more than simply ending active fighting.

He highlighted fundamental security concerns, including protection of energy infrastructure and food supplies. These issues have become important during the war because attacks have repeatedly affected civilian infrastructure and essential services.

The Ukrainian president said his government is continuing to coordinate with the American team on these issues.

Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Legislation

Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.

Trump signed the legislation on September 18. The measure targets Russian officials and key parts of Russia's economy, including energy-related sectors, and gives the U.S. president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian energy under specified conditions.

The legislation had been championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and received bipartisan support in Congress before being signed by Trump.

U.S. Push for Renewed Negotiations

The planned Trump-Zelenskyy meeting follows a renewed U.S. effort to restart negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Witkoff and Kushner's September visit included meetings with Putin in Moscow and Zelenskyy in Kyiv. U.S. officials said the talks were intended to explore ways to revive negotiations, although the Kyiv meetings did not produce an announced breakthrough.

The upcoming meeting in New York will take place against a backdrop of continuing military activity and diplomatic efforts.

Key Points

  • Zelenskyy said he spoke with Trump in an important conversation.
  • The two leaders agreed to meet in New York during the U.N. General Assembly.
  • Zelenskyy said diplomatic momentum is building.
  • Ukraine's peace process remains its top priority.
  • Energy security, food security and protection of human life are among the issues being discussed.
  • Zelenskyy thanked Trump for sending Witkoff and Kushner to Kyiv.
  • Trump recently signed the Lindsey O. Graham sanctions legislation targeting Russia.
  • Russia and Ukraine continue fighting while diplomatic efforts continue.

Source

This article is based on statements published by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his conversation with President Donald Trump, along with current reporting on the planned meeting, U.S. diplomatic efforts and the Russia sanctions legislation.