Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 22, 2026, during the U.N. General Assembly in New York. Zelenskyy expressed trust in the White House's ability to assist in ending the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for over four years. "I hope that we will end this war, and President Trump will help us help us end this war," he stated.
The meeting occurred following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes that targeted at least four regions in Ukraine, resulting in five fatalities. Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces had also conducted long-range strikes damaging two Russian oil refineries. The conflict continues with aerial attacks from both sides, despite front-line positions remaining largely unchanged.
Trump previously urged Zelenskyy to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such actions contribute to global fuel shortages and rising prices. He noted that diesel prices have significantly increased as a result of the ongoing conflict.
During their brief address to reporters, Trump described the Ukrainian strikes as a "serious hit on the Russians, but also a serious hit on the price of diesel." He indicated that he and Zelenskyy would discuss the situation further in private.
As Trump seeks reelection in 2024, he has claimed he could quickly negotiate an end to the war, which has continued despite his assertions. "I think we're going to make a deal," he said, referring to potential discussions involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is not attending this year's U.N. General Assembly.
Zelenskyy expressed willingness to meet with both Trump and Putin but suggested that Putin may not be ready to conclude the conflict. He also reiterated Ukraine's request for more Patriot air defense systems from the U.S., noting that he has not received definitive responses regarding this support.
Defense experts have indicated that the U.S. is facing a global shortage of Patriot interceptors due to their use in defending against Iranian attacks in the Middle East. Zelenskyy warned neighboring countries of the risks posed by potential Russian offensive actions and emphasized the need for them to respond to defend themselves.
Kyiv has targeted Russian refineries in retaliation for Moscow's attacks on Ukraine's power grid, with Zelenskyy stating that these strikes could cease if Russia stops its attacks on energy infrastructure.
The ongoing war has resulted in significant military casualties, with Western officials estimating over 500,000 Russian troops and a similar number of Ukrainian military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths. Zelenskyy is also seeking assistance to ensure the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products through the Black Sea, as Russian attacks have severely disrupted these exports, impacting global food supplies.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide additional radar systems to Ukraine to protect its power grid and mentioned discussions with Trump regarding a potential truce between Moscow and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy began his New York visit by meeting with U.S. senators, expressing gratitude for bipartisan support for Ukraine and for backing tougher sanctions against Russia. He stated that the implementation of this legislation would bring peace and security closer.
In Kyiv, a local resident reported being awakened by a Russian drone attack, expressing skepticism about international efforts to secure peace. Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, resulting in casualties in the Samara region.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces downed 297 Ukrainian drones overnight and conducted strikes on various industrial sectors in Ukraine, resulting in multiple fatalities in Dnipro and Sumy regions. The ongoing conflict continues to have widespread implications for both nations and the global community.