Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he is counting on a personal meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York next week. According to RBK-Ukraine, the head of state said this on live television during his visit to Canada. In his words, the trip will take place if his schedule aligns with the American leader's plans, with the tentative dates for the meeting cited as September 21, 22, or 23, 2026.
Meeting in New York: dates and conditions
Zelensky emphasized that the format and the very fact of the trip depend on the coordination of the two presidents' schedules. Thus, the meeting is not yet fully confirmed by both sides and currently remains an intention tied to the September 21–23 window. It is precisely on these days, according to the Ukrainian leader, that he is ready to discuss the key settlement issues with the American side.
Ceasefire as the agenda priority
At the center of the upcoming conversation, Zelensky said, will be the topic of a ceasefire. "We are open to a corresponding maritime ceasefire, plus an energy ceasefire. I am going to discuss all of this," the president stated. He added that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not agree to a full cessation of hostilities, Ukraine will insist on at least a partial ceasefire — a grain and energy one. Zelensky also noted that a significant number of countries stand behind this track.
Trilateral format and ballistic missiles
Earlier, Zelensky had announced a possible September meeting with Trump, hoping to discuss with the American leader the supply of ballistic missiles to Ukraine. At that time, he also stated that the parties were moving toward a trilateral negotiation format involving the US and Russia, while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry noted Kyiv's readiness to return to such a format. In parallel, according to sources, Ukraine and the US are discussing new ideas for ending the war, and a limited ceasefire without strikes on energy facilities is possible this winter.
Contradictory data
The statements of the parties and media reports show a discrepancy in the degree of certainty about the meeting. On the one hand, it was previously reported that a personal meeting between Zelensky and Trump had been "preliminarily already agreed" for September, indicating a reached arrangement. On the other hand, Zelensky himself in his latest statement phrases the trip conditionally — "if my schedule aligns with Trump's plans" — which leaves the final decision to the American side. Moreover, the president's quote mentions a "maritime ceasefire," whereas in the same context and in earlier statements the emphasis is placed on the grain and energy tracks, which may reflect an expansion rather than a replacement of the original agenda.
Diplomatic context and timelines
According to assessments, no significant diplomatic breakthroughs should be expected before the Russian State Duma elections on September 18–20. After that event, as noted, a trilateral or even quadrilateral summit is possible. Thus, the possible meeting in New York on September 21–23 could become one of the key stages in preparing for a broader format of settlement negotiations.
