Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he had held a significant telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, confirming that both leaders agreed to schedule an in-person meeting in New York.
Posting on social media, Zelenskyy characterized the discussion as “important” and noted that the two men “got through a lot” during their exchange. He expressed optimism about the diplomatic trajectory, writing, “There is diplomatic momentum,” and suggested that the upcoming encounter “could change a lot.”
The Ukrainian leader also expressed gratitude to Trump for facilitating the recent visit to Kyiv by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law. Zelenskyy highlighted that the delegation gained first-hand knowledge of conditions in Ukraine.
“We went through the key details thoroughly, and they saw the situation in Ukraine firsthand. The peace track is our number one priority,” Zelenskyy stated. He added that the discussions included proposals for de-escalation and measures to address core security concerns, specifically citing energy security, food security, and the protection of human life.
Zelenskyy further emphasized cooperation with American officials, stating, “We are working together with the American team and are ready to take really serious steps.”
In addition to the diplomatic talks, the Ukrainian president thanked Trump for signing into law a sanctions bill championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Passed by Congress earlier this month, the legislation imposes primary and secondary sanctions on Russia as well as other nations supporting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy concluded his post by reiterating a shared commitment to ending the conflict. “We all concur – there must be peace,” he wrote, adding thanks to “everyone who stands with Ukraine.” The post did not specify a date or time for the forthcoming meeting in New York.
New York meeting is a good sign, but let’s see if it translates into real sanctions pressure on Moscow.
Did the article mention what specific de-escalation steps they discussed? Seems vague for such an ‘important’ call.
Hopeful this momentum actually leads to a ceasefire. The peace track must be a priority now.