Zelensky aims for energy and Black Sea ceasefire talks with Trump in New York

Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to seek a partial cease-fire that would stop attacks on energy sites and create a maritime pause for grain shipments in the Black Sea, targeting a meeting with Donald Trump in New York. The encounter may take place during the U.N. General Assembly sessions from Sept. 21 to 23, provided the presidents' agendas align. Zelensky indicated that, should a comprehensive cease-fire be refused, he would still press for limited arrangements covering Ukraine's energy sector and grain exports.

The initiative builds on earlier U.S. efforts, including recent visits by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Moscow and Kyiv, which produced revised peace proposals but no agreement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed any steps to protect Russian civilian economic infrastructure but did not confirm Russia's willingness to reciprocate. The talks occur amid ongoing mutual targeting of energy facilities by both sides, with Ukraine's grain shipments operating at roughly 40% capacity due to the Black Sea blockade.