During a meeting on September 22, 2026, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Russia and Ukraine would reach a deal to end the ongoing conflict. Trump stated, "The president and I are trying to figure out a solution, and I think it’s going to happen. I really do. I believe it’s going to happen," referring to his relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
When asked about Ukraine's ability to reclaim lost territory, Trump remained hopeful, saying, "Well, I think they’re going to make a deal, and I don’t want to say what the deal is. We talk about it a lot, including with President Putin, and I think something’s going to happen." He acknowledged the capabilities of the Ukrainian fighters and leadership, adding, "But very, very capable people, very capable leadership," while gesturing towards Zelensky.
Zelensky expressed his desire for the war to conclude before winter, stating, "I hope that we will end this war, and President Trump will help us to end this war. And I think that we needed to do as quick as possible before winter." Trump reiterated this sentiment, calling it a "big thing before winter."
The discussion also touched on the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming G20 in Miami, Florida. Trump mentioned, "I think he’d do another one. I don’t know about Miami. We have a big thing happening in Miami very soon. But no, he’ll meet. He’s willing to meet. He’s willing. He’d like to see the war end." He concluded by stating, "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. But I think they both want to see the war ended."