Zelenskyy and Trump meet in New York: First details
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump (Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his American counterpart Donald Trump met in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
What is known about the meeting of the two leaders can be found in the RBC-Ukraine material below.
Updated at 8:45 PM Kyiv time
The US president was also asked about the biggest progress toward ending the war since his last meeting with Zelenskyy.
"Well, the biggest progress is that the Russian economy is terrible right now. As you know, it's crashing. And that frankly, Ukraine is doing a very good job of stopping this very large army," the US president said.
Updated at 8:41 PM
Journalists asked Trump whether he still trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said he would give an answer in a month.
Updated at 8:40 PM
Trump believes he can influence Hungary to stop purchasing Russian oil.
"I have not spoken to him, but I have a feeling he might stop if I did. And I think I'll be doing that," he said.
Updated at 8:35 PM
Trump himself stated during the meeting with Zelenskyy that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace.
According to the US president, he holds great respect for the fight Ukraine is waging.
"We have a great respect for the fight Ukraine is putting up. It's pretty amazing," Trump said.
Updated at 8:33 PM
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has managed to de-occupy 360 square kilometers and capture over 1,000 Russian soldiers.
"This month, our soldiers de-occupied 360 (square) km and encircled 1,000 soldiers. Of course, we want to exchange them. Because we need our soldiers in any case," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy and Trump meeting: Expectations and prior contacts
The last in-person meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump took place on August 18, 2025, following the American leader’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
At that time, the Ukrainian side was supported by a group of European leaders who, in an informal summit format in Washington alongside the US, discussed parameters for ending the war, territorial issues, and future security guarantees for Ukraine.
Additional consultations were held on September 4 in Paris, where a basic draft of the guarantees was agreed upon, with more than two and a half dozen countries ready to join.
President Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that the document on guarantees is nearly finalized, but Kyiv is awaiting more concrete commitments from Washington.
Peace negotiations and sanctions policy toward Russia
High-level talks between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at ending the war, which the White House attempted to organize and which are supported by the President of Ukraine, have yet to take place.
Trump has so far not promoted a format involving Putin and has shifted the issue of new sanctions to European partners. In response, Zelenskyy emphasizes that delays only play into the Kremlin’s hands, and Kyiv expects more decisive action from Washington.
However, the US recently approved a new $500 million aid package for Ukraine under the PURL program — the first significant defense decision in Trump’s second term.
Meanwhile, Russian-Ukrainian negotiations continue solely on humanitarian issues.
Zelenskyy’s meetings in New York
Yesterday, September 22, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York to meet with US President Donald Trump, participate in the UN General Assembly, and attend other events.
The Ukrainian leader has already held a series of meetings, including with Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and the US Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
Additionally, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Ukraine, together with Canada, organized a summit on the return of Ukrainian children. The “Crimean Platform” session will also take place on September 24 as part of the Assembly, with participation from 50 countries and international organizations.
Separate meetings are being held on economics, defense, and technology, as well as a humanitarian block involving the first ladies of Ukraine and the US.
What to expect from Zelenskyy’s meetings in New York and the various events involving Ukrainian leadership is covered in a separate RBC-Ukraine material.
