Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated today (September 21) that “I have just spoken with President Trump. This was a highly significant conversation, during which we discussed a range of issues. We have agreed to meet in New York, and this meeting could potentially lead to meaningful changes. Diplomatic momentum is now moving in a positive direction.
I thank President Trump for dispatching Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv. They have thoroughly reviewed key details and conducted on-the-ground assessments of the situation in Ukraine. Advancing the peace process remains our top priority.
Initial frameworks have been established, covering measures to de-escalate tensions and address fundamental security concerns—including energy security, food security, and the protection of civilian lives. We are working in coordination with the U.S. team and preparing concrete, substantial actions.
I appreciate President Trump’s signing of the Lindsay Graham Act into law. All parties share consensus: peace must be achieved. Thank you to everyone supporting Ukraine. Thank you to every individual who has extended help.”
Commentary: It is evident that Zelenskyy is carefully navigating his engagement with Trump. By specifically thanking the American envoys for their visit to Kyiv and endorsing the new U.S. sanctions package against Russia, he is signaling a willingness to advance peace negotiations. The agreement on a meeting in New York reflects an effort to maintain continuity in U.S. support for Ukraine and prevent any abrupt policy shift under a potential Trump administration. Yet Zelenskyy clearly recognizes that core issues—territorial integrity and security guarantees—remain unresolved, and Trump’s position on the war continues to be ambiguous. The upcoming meeting in New York will likely reflect divergent objectives: Trump may seek diplomatic gains on the Ukraine issue to bolster his prospects in the midterm elections, while Zelenskyy aims to secure favorable conditions for Ukraine, strengthening Kyiv’s leverage in future negotiations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876918618641418/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.