Zelenskyy meets Trump as deadly strikes hit Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York on September 21 for the United Nations General Assembly and was scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on September 22 to discuss de-escalation proposals, including a possible mutual energy ceasefire, as Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged deadly strikes. Zelenskyy said around 20 meetings were planned, including sessions with Trump, European leaders, U.S. senators and House members, heads of international organizations, leading American companies and think tanks. He said a new drone deal was ready to be signed during the week. The meeting with Trump was set for 13:15 local time on September 22 on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Zelenskyy said their September 20 phone call was an important conversation and that the upcoming meeting "could change a lot." He has said he will press Trump on de-escalation measures and on sending additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. One agenda item is a mutual Ukrainian-Russian energy ceasefire in which both sides would pledge not to target energy infrastructure or ships carrying oil, petroleum products and grain in the Black Sea.