Zelenskiy says he and Trump agree to meet in New York

New York City skyline. FILE PHOTO. A view of Manhattan, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

KYIV — September 20, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday and that the two leaders agreed to meet in New York during the UN General Assembly next week. Zelenskiy said the meeting could affect efforts to find a resolution to the war with Russia.

“We agreed to meet in New York, and this meeting could change a lot. There is diplomatic momentum,” Zelenskiy wrote on X.

Zelenskiy said he thanked Trump for sending US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv earlier this month. He described the peace process as Ukraine’s top priority.

The Ukrainian president said the two sides were discussing possible steps to reduce tensions and address key security concerns. These included energy security, food security and the protection of human life.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine was working with the US team and was prepared to take what he called serious steps toward a settlement. He did not provide further details about the possible measures.

The planned meeting would bring the two leaders together in New York as they attend the UN General Assembly. Their discussions are expected to focus on diplomatic efforts related to the war and possible security arrangements.

Zelenskiy also thanked Trump for signing into law a Russian sanctions bill that had been championed by the late US Senator Lindsey Graham. The Ukrainian president's comments did not provide details on when the New York meeting would take place.