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United Nations, New York: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said U.S. President Donald Trump wants to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and could organize a trilateral meeting involving the leaders of the United States, Ukraine and Russia.
“He wants to end the war. He said that he will do everything to help end the war,” Zelenskyy told journalists following his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22.
The Ukrainian president said he raised his concerns during the meeting and discussed the possibility of trilateral talks at which the three leaders could address sensitive issues and explore ways to end the conflict.
Zelenskyy said he was prepared to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that Moscow’s participation in talks would indicate whether it was genuinely interested in pursuing peace.
“I’m ready at any time,” he said when asked about participating in a trilateral meeting. “I think that we all need to move as quickly as possible.”
Zelenskyy expressed frustration with the prolonged diplomatic effort, saying discussions about ending the war had continued without producing a resolution.
“If you want to solve the problem, you solve it. If you want to end the war, you end it. If you say that this means ending the war through dialogue, it means that you have to meet and have a dialogue,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader also called for a reciprocal halt to attacks on energy infrastructure as a potential step toward a ceasefire. The issue has received renewed attention as both countries continue targeting energy facilities and concerns grow about Ukraine’s ability to protect its power system during the winter.
“Look, if we really think about a ceasefire, then we have to stop attacking energy systems,” Zelenskyy said.
He rejected the suggestion that Russia was prevailing in the war, arguing that Putin faced pressure to demonstrate progress to the Russian public.
“He’s not winning. For him, it’s a problem because he has to show that to his internal society,” Zelenskyy said. “It’s not about Americans or Ukrainians. He doesn’t respect anybody. His concern is the Russian people, his internal society in Russia.”
Zelenskyy said ending the war would require sustained engagement from the United States, European countries and the broader international community. Without coordinated action, he warned, the conflict could create further instability across Europe and beyond.
“To end this war, we need everyone to work 24/7,” he said. “It’s not only about the people of Ukraine, who are the priority for me personally. But, to be honest, it’s also about the world and about Europe. So many people. It’s terrible.”
Zelenskyy also appealed for additional U.S. assistance to help Ukraine address its energy shortfalls and protect critical infrastructure during the winter. Increased Russian attacks have widened the gap between Ukraine’s defense requirements and available funding, he said.
“I’m asking the United States to help me now, to help our people now, to save our people now,” he said. The Ukrainian president said discussions about financial assistance were continuing with European Council leaders and the International Monetary Fund.
Air defense was another major focus of Zelenskyy’s talks with Trump. He said Ukraine was seeking licenses to begin producing Patriot missile systems domestically and that his military adviser had already held discussions with Raytheon, the system’s manufacturer.
“We need licenses, and we need security guarantees for Ukraine and security for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “In any case, we need licenses to begin the production of Patriots. We asked the president to help us move this more quickly. He is positive about the licenses.”
Zelenskyy also referred to an agreement with Germany intended to expand defense production, saying a contract had been signed covering 600 units.
He maintained that any credible negotiating initiative from Moscow would serve as an important indication of whether Russia was prepared to change course.
“Any kind of negotiations from the Russian side will give a signal that they are ready to move because I’m not sure that they are ready to move,” he said. “That’s why I think we need the United States and Europeans.”
Zelenskyy also expressed hope that Trump would raise the war with Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing China’s ability to influence Russia and potentially contribute to diplomatic efforts.
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