At the UN General Assembly in New York, Ukraine and the United States Discuss Measures to End the War Before Winter and Protect Energy Infrastructure

A Shared Objective to End the War

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the United States are seeking solutions that could lead to the end of the war launched by Russia „before winter”. The statement was made following his meeting with United States President Donald Trump, held on September 22 in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Zelenskyy, the discussions between the two sides focused on possible de-escalation steps that could create the conditions necessary for the resumption or intensification of diplomatic efforts.

“Both the United States and Ukraine want this absurd war waged by Russia to end before winter. We discussed possible de-escalation steps that can pave the way for diplomacy,” the Ukrainian president said following the meeting.

Support for Ukraine Ahead of the Cold Season

One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the support Ukraine needs ahead of the cold season. According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the talks included measures aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure and population in the coming period.

In this context, Zelenskyy specifically highlighted the need for a new air defense package. Strengthening air defense capabilities is particularly relevant ahead of the cold season, when protecting critical infrastructure, including energy systems, becomes a priority.

Production of Interceptor Missiles for Patriot Systems

Another issue discussed by the two leaders was cooperation between Ukrainian and American teams on developing the production of military equipment on Ukrainian territory.

Zelenskyy specifically mentioned plans to launch production in Ukraine of interceptor missiles intended for Patriot air defense systems. Continued cooperation in this area is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and developing a domestic production component within the defense sector.

Proposal for an “Energy Moratorium”

The discussions in New York also addressed the possibility of establishing an “energy moratorium”, under which attacks on energy infrastructure would be suspended on a reciprocal basis.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to halt attacks on energy facilities on Russian territory, provided that Moscow, in turn, stops strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The proposal is directly linked to preparations for the cold season, as the functioning of energy generation and distribution infrastructure, as well as heating and water supply systems, is of major importance for the civilian population.

Zelenskyy Insists on Reciprocity in Any Potential Agreement

The Ukrainian president emphasized that any potential agreement on protecting energy infrastructure should be implemented on the basis of reciprocity. According to the framework outlined by Zelenskyy, such a mechanism should cover energy infrastructure, heating systems, electricity networks and water supply facilities.

At the same time, the Ukrainian leader expressed doubts that Russia is currently prepared to accept such a formula. Therefore, the possibility of an agreement remains dependent on the positions of both sides and their ability to reach an understanding on verifiable and reciprocal mechanisms.

Diplomacy and De-escalation at the Center of the Discussions

The meeting with Donald Trump is part of Kyiv’s efforts to maintain dialogue with the U.S. administration regarding prospects for ending the war and identifying measures to reduce escalation.

Prior to the meeting in New York, Volodymyr Zelenskyy had stated that peace was the main priority of discussions with the United States administration. The Ukrainian president noted that several de-escalation options were being considered, including measures aimed at protecting energy infrastructure.

In this context, the discussions between Kyiv and Washington combine diplomatic efforts with security and defense considerations, as Ukraine seeks additional support ahead of the winter period and the identification of mechanisms that could reduce risks to critical infrastructure.