Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump and that the two leaders agreed to meet in New York this week. The meeting, set to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), follows months of diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
Zelenskyy described the conversation as "important" and stated that the meeting could have significant implications for resolving the conflict. "We agreed to meet in New York, and this meeting could change a lot," he wrote on social media platform X. "There is diplomatic momentum."
Key Details of the Meeting
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for a recent visit to Kyiv by U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who assessed the situation in Ukraine firsthand. "We went through the key details thoroughly, and they saw the situation in Ukraine firsthand," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian president emphasized that the peace process remains the top priority, with discussions expected to focus on de-escalation steps and long-term security issues, including energy security, food security, and the protection of human life.
Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Trump’s signing of the Russia Sanctions bill, which he called a critical step toward achieving peace. "We all concur – there must be peace," he stated. "Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who’s helping!"
Context and Background
The meeting comes as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, with the U.S. having provided billions of dollars in support to Ukraine. The relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump has seen periods of strain, particularly as Trump balances diplomatic engagement with both Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The upcoming talks in New York mark a potential shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with both leaders signaling a commitment to finding a resolution.
Zelenskyy’s announcement follows a bilateral meeting between the two presidents in Washington, D.C., on August 18, 2025, where they discussed a potential peace deal. Photographs from the meeting show the two leaders shaking hands and engaging in discussions, underscoring the formal nature of their interactions.
Next Steps and Expectations
While specific outcomes of the New York meeting remain unclear, both leaders have framed it as a critical opportunity to advance peace efforts. Zelenskyy indicated that the discussions would explore concrete steps for de-escalation, while Trump’s participation suggests a willingness to engage in high-level diplomacy. The timing of the meeting, coinciding with the UNGA, provides a high-profile platform for potential announcements or agreements.
Analysts suggest that the meeting could signal a renewed push for negotiations, though the positions of both sides on key issues—such as territorial concessions or sanctions relief—remain significant hurdles. The international community will closely monitor the talks for any signs of progress or shifts in strategy.