Trump, Zelenskyy to meet in New York as US seeks Ukraine Peace Deal amid fresh strikes

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to meet in New York this week as the United States seeks to advance efforts toward ending the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Zelenskyy on Sunday, September 20, announced the planned meeting after speaking with Trump on phone, describing the conversation as “important” and saying it “could change a lot.” The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, even as Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging large-scale attacks.

Trump and Zelenskyy discuss de-escalation and peace efforts

Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts and agreed to meet in New York, where both are scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly.

 “We agreed on a meeting in New York, and this meeting could change a lot.”

Zelenskyy also pointed to recent discussions involving Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who traveled to Kyiv earlier this month as part of renewed US efforts to advance negotiations.

He said the visit allowed the American officials to discuss key details with Ukrainian officials and see the situation in the country firsthand. “The peace track is our number-one priority,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader said that the discussions include possible “de-escalation steps” as well as fundamental security issues involving energy, food and the protection of human life. 

“There are ideas for de-escalation steps and for addressing fundamental security issues, energy security, food security, and the protection of human life,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We are working together with the American team and are ready to take really serious steps,” he added.

Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for signing the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.

The legislation imposed additional sanctions on Russia and countries that support Moscow’s war effort and authorizes further trade measures.

Fresh strikes underscore challenges facing peace push

The planned Trump-Zelenskyy meeting surfaces as war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, with both sides continuing long-range attacks.

Ukraine launched a major drone assault on Moscow and surrounding areas on Sunday, September 20, the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections. 

Russian officials said more than 1,600 drones were intercepted, including about 450 that were directed toward Moscow.

The attacks damaged a residential building and a major oil refinery, while Russian officials reported multiple deaths.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the attack as unprecedented and accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt the elections.

Russia’s Defense Ministry subsequently said it would intensify strikes against military targets in Kyiv in response.

“The unprecedented attack was clearly planned to disrupt the elections. The enemy did not succeed,” Sobyanin said.

Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s long-range strikes, saying they had significantly affected the Moscow region.

“Our long-range responses had a very significant impact in the Moscow region last night,” Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, Russian attacks continued across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported civilian deaths and damage in the Kyiv region, while other areas also came under Russian strikes.