Zelenskyy meets with Trump on sidelines of UN General Assembly

They discussed the situation on the front lines, exchanges of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine, and sanctions against Moscow.

In the public part of the meeting, Zelenskyy said he could share “good news” from the front and added that he and Trump would talk “about how to end the war.”

Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his support and for the delivery of U.S. weapons through the PURL mechanism — funded by other NATO members.

President Zelenskyy said he supports President Trump’s idea of halting purchases of Russian energy.

“We fully support your idea, Mr. President, to halt European countries’ purchases of Russian oil and gas,” said the president.

Read also Trump-Zelenskyy talks: weapons on table, sanctions unlikely

Asked about security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump responded that “it is too early to answer.”

“The biggest progress is that the Russian economy is in terrible state, it is crashing. Ukraine is doing a very good job in stopping this very large Russian army. It is defending bravely. It's not a good thing for Russia, it was supposed to be quick, but the war has been going on for three and a half years and continues,” Trump said.

Trump also stated that NATO countries in Europe should shoot down Russian military aircraft that enter their airspace.

“Yes, I do,” Trump said when posed a question. Later, he stopped short of saying the United States would join in the effort to shoot down violating Russian aircraft.

“Depends on the circumstance,” he said. “But you know, we’re very strong toward NATO.”

Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will continue to defend itself until Russia “stops this war.”

• On September 23, U.S. President Donald Trump said at the UN General Assembly that NATO countries buying Russian oil and gas must stop their purchases.