Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, stated that both Kyiv and Washington want the «senseless Russian war» to end before winter. The material was prepared based on a German-language Euronews report from September 23, 2026.
What leaders discussed
According to Zelenskyy, the conversation was «positive and productive». The sides discussed potential de-escalation steps that could pave the way for diplomatic talks, as well as a winter air defense package and other bilateral and multilateral issues.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has regularly struck cities and regions across Ukraine; in winter, the energy infrastructure becomes particularly vulnerable.
Limited ceasefire for the energy sector
Ukraine, for its part, is also striking at Russia's energy sector—specifically oil refineries, terminals, and storage facilities. Zelenskyy reported that refineries in Bashkortostan and the Samara region were damaged the previous day.
Trump, during a joint press appearance, called these strikes «a very heavy blow» for Russia, but also noted their impact on global diesel prices. He urged a quicker end to the war.
- Zelenskyy stated his readiness to halt strikes on Russia's energy sector if Moscow does the same regarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure, critical facilities, and food exports.
- «Decisions are possible», the Ukrainian president wrote.
- The Kremlin had previously dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, insisting on a «long-term peace» on its own terms.
Context for readers in Germany
The topic of winter air defense and strikes on the energy sector directly relates to German aid for Ukraine: Berlin and partners in the UDCG contact group are currently ramping up the delivery of air defense systems ahead of the cold season. For Ukrainians in Germany, this signals the diplomatic dynamics surrounding the war, which will determine both the situation at home and the prospects for return.
This text is an independent Ukrainian summary of the German-language Euronews material from September 23, 2026, and not a literal translation. Source: Euronews.