Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are preparing to meet in New York as the United States and Ukraine continue diplomatic discussions over the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting was agreed after the two leaders spoke by phone on September 20. Zelenskyy said the conversation covered several issues and that there was diplomatic momentum around the peace process. The talks will take place as both leaders are in New York for the UN General Assembly. What De-Escalation Measures Are Being Discussed? Zelenskyy said discussions with the American side include ideas for de-escalation and broader security concerns. Among the issues he identified are energy security, food security and protecting human life. The discussions come as Washington explores ways to reduce escalation while working toward a wider peace agreement. Earlier US-Ukraine discussions have reportedly included possible arrangements involving energy facilities, electricity infrastructure, grain shipments and oil and gas exports. Why Is Energy Security Part of the Talks? Energy infrastructure has been heavily affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making energy security an important part of discussions about potential de-escalation. Zelenskyy previously told Axios that US officials were examining whether Ukraine and Russia could take steps during the winter to reduce escalation while negotiations toward a broader agreement are restarted. The discussions are separate from any final peace agreement and do not represent a confirmed settlement between Russia and Ukraine.(READ MORE :Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting in New York: Ukraine Peace Talks and De-Escalation on Agenda) What Role Is the United States Playing? The Trump administration has been using diplomatic contacts with both Moscow and Kyiv as it seeks to restart negotiations. Witkoff and Kushner recently met Putin in Moscow before travelling to Kyiv to meet Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy said those meetings helped the sides discuss key issues and explore ideas for moving the diplomatic process forward. Zelenskyy has also indicated that Ukraine is prepared to work with the US on further diplomatic steps. What Did Trump and Zelenskyy Agree On? The immediate agreement between the two leaders is to meet in New York. Zelenskyy said the meeting could have a significant impact on the diplomatic process, but no specific deal or breakthrough was announced ahead of the meeting. The talks are expected to provide an opportunity to discuss possible de-escalation measures and security issues. What Is the Status of Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks? Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, but the conflict itself continues. The US is exploring measures that could reduce tensions while broader negotiations are pursued. Zelenskyy has said Ukraine wants to use the coming weeks to advance dialogue, while US officials have acknowledged that reaching agreement on the interests of both sides remains difficult. Timeline September 5: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Putin in Moscow. September 6: The envoys held discussions with Zelenskyy in Kyiv. September 20: Trump and Zelenskyy spoke by phone and agreed to meet in New York. September 20: Zelenskyy said de-escalation and security ideas were being discussed with the US. September 21 onward: The UN General Assembly brings world leaders together in New York, with Ukraine among the major international issues under discussion.
