French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday, September 21, 2026, that he had a "very good" and "very constructive" discussion with US leader Donald Trump on issues related to the war in Ukraine. According to the French leader, the central element of the conversation was the initiative to establish a moratorium between Kyiv and Moscow on strikes affecting the energy sector. Macron emphasized that he intends to further discuss the topic of halting attacks on energy infrastructure with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Priority — Interceptors and Defense

While speaking with journalists, Macron did not disclose all the details of the negotiations, but he pointed to a key aspect that, in his view, remains "the key issue from a defense standpoint." This refers to the need for faster and more decisive assistance to Ukrainian forces in the supply of air defense systems and interceptors. The French leader emphasized that both sides agreed that strengthening Kyiv's air defense is a top priority amid ongoing attacks.

Energy De-escalation as a Condition

In addition to defense-related topics, Macron confirmed that the idea of halting mutual strikes on energy facilities was raised during his conversation with Trump. He noted that supporting Ukraine's energy system remains a priority for France, as the war continues to affect security across Europe. The French leader also expressed hope for progress during the annual meeting of leaders at the UN General Assembly, which takes place in September.

Context: Zelenskyy–Trump Phone Call

Prior to Macron's statement, on September 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump held a phone conversation. According to sources at Axios, during the call Trump asked Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries, citing rising diesel fuel prices. On September 21, Zelenskyy named a condition for halting attacks on refineries: Ukraine is ready to do so in response to concrete steps by the Kremlin toward de-escalation. Among the targets that, according to the Ukrainian president, should not be attacked, he listed energy facilities, critical infrastructure, and food exports.

Upcoming Meeting in the US

It has been confirmed that Zelenskyy and Trump will hold an in-person meeting on US territory. According to RBC-Ukraine, Kyiv does not expect breakthrough decisions during the upcoming talks, but the main focus will be on energy de-escalation. Thus, the initiative for a moratorium on strikes on energy infrastructure, which Macron has already identified as a topic of discussion with Trump, becomes one of the central elements of the diplomatic track in the coming days.

Contradictory Data

No significant discrepancies in dates or key facts were found in the provided sources. All four verified sources (rbc.ua, ua.news, gordonua.com, gazeta.ua) unanimously confirm the fact of Macron and Trump discussing an energy moratorium. The only difference is stylistic: some outlets use the term "ceasefire," while others use "moratorium" or "cessation of strikes," but in meaning they refer to the same mechanism. The specific parameters and legal form of any possible agreement were not disclosed by either side at the time of publication.