President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a "positive and productive" meeting with former President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on 22/9. Zelensky stated on social media that both the US and Ukraine aim for the "senseless war" to conclude before winter.

During their discussion, the two leaders explored potential steps to de-escalate the conflict and pave the way for diplomatic solutions. A key topic was a proposal for Russia and Ukraine to cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure. President Zelensky affirmed Kyiv's readiness to accept such an agreement.

President Zelensky (left) and President Trump at their meeting in New York on 22/9. *Photo: AFP*

"We are ready to achieve an energy ceasefire in any form if Russia agrees not to attack Ukraine's energy system," Zelensky said after the meeting. He indicated that the US would convey this proposal to Russia, adding, "I do not know Russia's position." Zelensky expressed hope that Washington would find a way to encourage Moscow to engage in negotiations.

This marked the first meeting between the US and Ukrainian leaders since July. Prior to the discussion, President Zelensky underscored the necessity of "decisive steps to de-escalate" to advance the peace process. President Trump, for his part, noted that the conflict had caused significant damage to Russia's oil refining industry and called for an end to the fighting.

Washington-led efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict have stalled, as the US has shifted its focus to the Middle East conflict.

In recent months, Ukraine has continuously launched long-range attacks targeting Russia's energy infrastructure, warehouses, and commercial vessels. In response, the Russian military has also targeted networks of oil refineries, logistics depots, and industrial and port infrastructure allegedly serving Ukrainian military operations.

On 14/9, President Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine had agreed not to attack each other's energy targets. President Zelensky, on the same day, indicated that Kyiv was ready to de-escalate the conflict if Moscow did the same.

However, just one day later, on 15/9, Ukraine launched an attack targeting an oil refinery in Syzran city, Samara province, southern Russia, causing a fire at the facility.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Kyiv Independent)