US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky they met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, at a particularly sensitive time for the war in Ukraine. The meeting concluded, as always, with the stated goal of finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, but no announcement was made of the imminent signing of a new peace agreement or ceasefire.
"Peace between Russia and Ukraine will be achieved sooner than you think."Trump had previously said on the podium of the General Assembly, once again hinting at an end to the conflict but without specifying a deadline or the conditions of a possible agreement. "Putin must end the war," the tycoon said, before adding during the bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart: "We are working to end the war. Both Zelensky and Putin want that." "Trump will help us end this war. And I think we need it, as quickly as possible, before winter," Zelensky said.
The proposal for an energy truce
One of the central themes of the conversation between Trump and Zelensky would have been the possibility of a truce limited to energy infrastructureThe Ukrainian leader reportedly proposed halting attacks on power plants, electricity grids, and other essential infrastructure, with a mutual commitment from Russia and Ukraine.
However, this would be a limited measure, not a general ceasefire. The goal would be to reduce at least some of the attacks that directly hit civilian infrastructure and possibly prepare the ground for broader negotiationsThe proposal comes as both sides continue to strike targets linked to each other's energy and oil assets.
Washington asks Kiev to stop the refineries
Another delicate point concerns the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and infrastructureAccording to reports by Reuters, Trump asked Zelensky to reduce or halt these operations.
For Kiev, however, oil rigs are one of the targets through which to exert pressure on Russia's ability to finance and sustain the war effort. This issue could therefore represent a major point of contention between Washington and the Ukrainian government. The American request also fits into an international context in which energy markets are already under severe tension.
Zelensky insists on air defense
On the other side, the Ukrainian president would have insisted on need to strengthen the country's defense capacity, waiting for a peace agreement. Kiev's requests include additional Patriot systems and interceptor munitions, especially in view of the winter months. The defense of energy infrastructure is in fact closely linked to the availability of anti-aircraft systems. For Ukraine, a possible truce does not eliminate the problem of land protection in case the attacks resume.
The issue of military supplies therefore remains intertwined with the diplomatic one: on the one hand Washington seeks to de-escalateOn the other hand, Kiev wants to maintain sufficient deterrent capabilities.
Trump also looks to Putin
Another important element that emerged from Trump's statements concerns the direct relationship with Moscow. The American president stated that Vladimir Putin would be available for a meeting aimed at discussing the end of the war. However, there is currently no new formal agreement establishing the timing and conditions of a possible Trump-Putin summit.
Russia's involvement remains inevitable in any case. possible agreement between Washington and Kiev It will in fact have to be accompanied by a discussion with Moscow to transform a proposal into a measure that can actually be applied on the ground.
No breakthrough, but negotiations continue
The most concrete outcome of the face-to-face meeting, based on available information, appears to be the continuation of the dialogue. There is still no comprehensive agreement, and a general ceasefire has not been announced. However, rumors suggest some possible starting points: a truce on energy infrastructure, discussion of attacks on Russian refineries, new Ukrainian requests for Patriot systems and the prospect of further contacts between Trump and Putin.
