Trump pushes Russia-Ukraine ‘energy truce’: Can it work?

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to present Ukraine's case at the UN General Assembly in New York. The second day of the UNGA will also feature speeches from European leaders. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet later in Kyiv. This comes as Kyiv has experienced particularly severe attacks from jet-powered Shahed drones over the past two days, which are described as swifter and more difficult to intercept than previous models.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared for an "energy ceasefire" with Russia, provided Moscow halts attacks on Ukraine's energy system. Zelenskyy made these remarks in New York after meeting with US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The discussions with Trump reportedly focused on ending Russia's invasion, with Zelenskyy indicating a readiness to cease strikes on Russian energy facilities if Ukraine's own energy infrastructure is not targeted. He also warned of an impending "massive attack" by Russia and requested additional Patriot air defense missiles from the US for the winter.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at UN headquarters in New York. Zelensky stated that they discussed efforts to end the four-year war with Russia, including a potential bilateral ceasefire on energy-related targets. Kyiv is reportedly ready for any format of an energy ceasefire with Moscow. However, the article specifies that there was no discussion of Ukraine unilaterally halting attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump had previously expressed concern about damage to Russia's fuel-processing capacity, linking it to global diesel prices.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia's risk of launching new offensives against other European countries is "very high." Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy stated that Russia may attack neighboring countries with drones, missiles, or land operations to undermine European unity and weaken support for Ukraine. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin, unable to achieve his objectives in Ukraine, could seek to create instability elsewhere to pressure Western governments. Zelenskyy urged European nations to "respond" to Russian actions, as he believes inaction will embolden further aggression. This warning comes amid heightened concerns about Russian activity in Europe, including drone incursions reported in Romania and Lithuania, and warnings from German and Polish leaders about potential Russian attacks.

Overnight Russian missile and drone attacks targeted industrial and critical energy infrastructure across several Ukrainian regions, killing at least three people and leaving nearly 100,000 without power. The strikes, which occurred as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, hit facilities in Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, and Poltava regions. Ukrainian officials reported damage to business premises, warehouses, and power facilities. The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed major strikes on industrial, military, and energy sector facilities. In response, Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Samara region, resulting in one death and four injuries.

European intelligence chiefs are warning that Russia's risk-taking is increasing, with covert attacks targeting countries supporting Ukraine. These acts of sabotage, believed to be orchestrated by Russia, aim to disrupt aid to Ukraine and fall below the threshold for a military response. Sources suggest Russia may be preparing to test NATO's resolve with an attack on European soil within months. This comes as Vladimir Putin consolidates power and the far-right AfD sees success in German polls. Intelligence officials in the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Sweden have raised these concerns, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also indicating similar assessments.