Zelensky, Trump to meet in New York amid peace talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are planning to meet in New York, according to Zelensky, following a phone call between the two leaders on September 20, 2026.

"It was an important conversation, and we managed to discuss many things," Zelensky said. "This meeting could change a lot. There is diplomatic momentum." The planned meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts initiated by Washington aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Zelensky also thanked Trump for a recent visit to Kyiv by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He stated that the talks covered key issues and allowed the officials to see the situation in Ukraine firsthand. "Peace is the number one priority. There are ideas regarding de-escalation steps and fundamental security issues — energy, food, and protecting people’s lives. We are working together with the American team and are ready to take truly serious steps," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president also expressed gratitude to Trump for signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18, 2026. This law expands sanctions and restrictions targeting Russia and authorizes new tariffs of up to 500% on certain goods imported from Russia. "We all agree: there must be peace," Zelensky stated.