US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened face-to-face talks in New York on Tuesday, 23 September, saying they would explore every avenue to end the Russia-Ukraine war before winter sets in. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marked one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between the two leaders since the conflict escalated.

What the Two Leaders Said

Trump described the bilateral dynamic as productive and expressed confidence that a settlement was within reach. 'We have a very good relationship going, the two of us, and we're — the president and I are trying to figure out a solution,' Trump said. 'And I think it's going to happen. I really do; I believe it's going to happen.'

Zelensky, in turn, acknowledged bipartisan support in Washington — specifically citing a sanctions measure associated with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham — and underscored the urgency of a pre-winter resolution. 'I hope that we will end this war and President Trump will help us to end this war,' Zelensky said. 'And I think that we needed to do as quick as possible, before winter.' Trump echoed that timeline immediately: 'Before winter. Big thing, before winter.'

Terms Under Discussion

Neither leader disclosed the specific framework under negotiation. When pressed on whether Ukraine would recover all occupied territory or would need to accept concessions, Trump declined to elaborate. 'Well, I think they're going to make a deal and I don't want to say what the deal is,' he said, adding: 'We talk about it a lot, including with President Putin, and I think something's going to happen.'

The talks follow a 6 September visit to Kyiv by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which reportedly covered a possible peace framework, further negotiation arrangements, and winter support for Ukraine including air defence and energy needs.

Ukraine Strikes on Russian Refining Capacity

Trump acknowledged Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refining infrastructure, calling them a consequential blow. 'It is a serious hit on the Russians,' he said, while also noting collateral effects: 'It's also a serious hit on the price of diesel.' The remark is notable given ongoing global concerns about energy prices heading into the winter months.

Prospect of a Trump-Putin-Zelensky Summit

On the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Putin was open to talks, referencing an earlier meeting in Alaska. 'I know that he will meet and we've had a meeting already in Alaska, we could do another one,' Trump said, though he remained non-committal on a proposed Miami venue. Trump also said he believed both Putin and Zelensky were genuinely motivated to end the conflict. 'I think they both want to see the war end, to be honest with you. It's time; a lot of people being killed, and they don't want that.'

Military Production and Patriot Missiles

The two sides were also expected to discuss military production, including whether the United States could support production of Patriot air defence missiles inside Ukraine. Trump indicated the matter was on the agenda. 'We're talking about that; we'll be talking about that now,' he said, repeatedly praising Ukrainian capabilities. Throughout the session, Trump lauded Ukrainian fighters and leadership, saying: 'Certainly, they are very good fighters. Really, they can be proud of themselves regardless.'

With winter approaching and the front lines largely frozen, the coming weeks will test whether the diplomatic momentum in New York can translate into a durable ceasefire or peace framework on the ground.