Zelenskyy proposes energy ceasefire, calls for trilateral talks with Trump and Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled readiness for a bilateral energy ceasefire with Russia, conditional on Moscow halting attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Speaking after a 40-minute meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said Kyiv is prepared to stop striking Russian energy facilities if Russia reciprocates. He also called on Trump to organize a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to move toward ending the war 'as quickly as possible' before winter Source: CNBC.

The meeting

Zelenskyy described the talks as 'positive and productive' Source: Al Jazeera. Trump said they discussed negotiations with Russia, Patriot interceptor production in Ukraine, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, which he said are driving up global diesel prices Source: Meduza. Trump has previously called on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian oil infrastructure, arguing it is 'hurting the world' as U.S. diesel prices hit record highs Source: CNBC.

Energy ceasefire conditions

Zelenskyy made clear the ceasefire must be reciprocal: 'If they don't want us to attack their diesel and refineries … we are ready – if they will not attack our energy system, our electricity, heating system, water supplies' Source: Al Jazeera. He stressed there was no discussion of Ukraine unilaterally ending attacks on the Russian oil industry Source: Al Jazeera. Trump had prematurely announced an energy truce last week, but strikes resumed almost immediately Source: CNN.

Divergent views

While the Kremlin has called an energy ceasefire 'a good idea,' it has also demanded measures covering Russian seaborne energy exports and sanctions relief Source: Meduza. Zelenskyy rejected any discussion of easing sanctions, warning that Russia is preparing 'a new massive attack' against Ukraine Source: Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, NATO's deputy commander in Europe warned that Putin is becoming 'increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting' Source: The Guardian.