Zelensky proposes energy strike moratorium in New York talks with Trump

Bilateral meeting at the United Nations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Zelensky characterized the discussions as positive and productive, stating that both Kyiv and Washington share the goal of ending the armed conflict before the arrival of winter. Trump reported that the two leaders maintain a very good relationship, having previously stated that his administration was working to settle the war quickly. Prior to the bilateral discussion, Trump reiterated his belief in a swift resolution through direct contact with both warring capitals.

We are working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we are going to settle this case. This will happen, I believe, sooner than you think.

Proposed moratorium on energy strikes

During a press conference following the talks, Zelensky disclosed that he had presented terms for a bilateral halt on strikes directed at domestic energy networks. Under the proposed framework, Ukraine would halt drone and missile attacks against Russian facilities if Moscow concurrently ends its bombardment of Ukrainian utilities. The initiative aims to safeguard electricity generation, heating networks, and municipal water supplies as colder weather approaches across Eastern Europe. Zelensky acknowledged that Moscow had not yet indicated any willingness to accept such conditions, though he emphasized that American involvement remains critical to establishing formal talks.

Patriot interceptor missile production

Discussions also focused on Ukraine's air defense requirements, including long-term plans to manufacture American-designed Patriot interceptor missiles on Ukrainian territory. Zelensky confirmed that bilateral teams are advancing preparations to initiate local production of the interceptors to defend civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have identified Patriot systems as the only capability able to intercept high-speed ballistic missiles descending on steep trajectories. Zelensky noted that domestic production capacity is necessary to ensure security if Moscow chooses to prolong missile strikes through the winter.

This is what will help protect lives, if Russia refuses negotiations and continues to bet on ballistic missile terror against our people this winter and beyond.

Diplomatic channel to Beijing

In addition to direct security measures, Zelensky requested that the United States leverage its upcoming diplomatic meetings with China to exert influence on Moscow. Trump is scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on Wednesday, 23 September. The Ukrainian president asked Trump to deliver specific messages to Xi, arguing that Beijing holds substantial economic and political leverage over Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky emphasized that involving the Chinese leadership could create additional diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin to engage in structured ceasefire negotiations.

I told the president very openly that we think that, if he also engages President Xi, he has influence on Putin.