▲ U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meeting in Ankara last July
As U.S. President Donald Trump, currently struggling with the war with Iran, turns his attention back to resuming Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the leaders of the United States and Ukraine have agreed to meet again in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly following a phone call.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on X on the 20th (local time) that he spoke with President Trump over the phone, stating, "We discussed many things through an important conversation" and "agreed to meet in New York."
Zelenskyy emphasized that they discussed the U.S.-led efforts to resume negotiations in detail, stressing that "peace negotiations are our top priority."
Regarding the issue of easing tensions with Russia, he emphasized, "Initiatives are in place to address fundamental security issues such as energy security, food security, and the protection of human lives," adding, "We are cooperating with the U.S. team and are ready to take very significant measures."
Zelenskyy went on to express expectations, saying, "Diplomatic momentum has been built" and "this meeting can change a lot."
The Trump administration has recently intensified its efforts to mediate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which had temporarily taken a backseat due to the war with Iran.
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv consecutively on the 5th and 6th to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and chief negotiator for the end-of-war talks, told the U.S. media outlet Axios in an interview that the meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy is scheduled for the 22nd.
President Zelenskyy also plans to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on the morning of the 23rd.
Axios pointed out that "this meeting is significant as it comes amid the White House's mediation efforts to enable Russia and Ukraine to ease tensions through reciprocal measures and resume negotiations."
Secretary Umerov stated that there has been significant progress in recent talks, noting, "In particular, the obstacles that need to be resolved have been reduced from dozens to just one or two core issues," and adding, "The overall trend is positive."
Meanwhile, citing anonymous sources, Axios reported that President Trump repeatedly asked Zelenskyy during the phone call to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have been a factor in rising global diesel prices.
President Trump recently claimed that the recent sharp rise in global diesel prices is due to the war between Russia and Ukraine rather than Iran, and has raised his voice that both countries should refrain from striking each other's energy targets.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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