Ukrainian president says upcoming US meetings will focus on peace talks, air defense, energy, food security and military support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on the evening of September 16, 2026, that Ukraine is preparing for talks with its partners in the United States. According to Zelenskyy, the discussions will focus on advancing peace negotiations as well as key issues including energy, food security and weapons.
In a message shared on his X account, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing meetings with its US partners. He said the talks would address negotiations aimed at bringing peace closer, along with energy, food security and weapons. He also indicated that new support packages for Ukraine were expected, with a particular focus on air defense.
Air defense expected to be a key priority
In a video message lasting approximately three minutes, Zelenskyy discussed several issues on Ukraine’s agenda. In addition to the upcoming meetings in the United States, he referred to cooperation with weapons manufacturers, efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and developments in the country’s energy sector.
Zelenskyy also mentioned Ukraine’s energy companies Ukrnafta and Naftogaz during his remarks. He concluded the address by saying, “Glory to Ukraine.”
Possible Zelenskyy-Trump meeting in New York
A spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry had previously confirmed that officials were working on a possible meeting between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in New York.
The meeting is expected to take place toward the end of September, potentially around September 21–23 during the United Nations General Assembly period. The reported agenda includes the peace process, security guarantees and additional air defense systems, particularly ahead of the winter season.
Ukraine seeks additional air defense systems
Zelenskyy emphasized that the new support packages would focus particularly on air defense. Ukraine has been seeking additional Patriot-type interceptors as well as more scalable and cost-effective air defense systems to counter intensified Russian drone and missile attacks.
The issue has become particularly important as Ukraine prepares for the winter period and seeks to protect critical infrastructure and energy facilities from further attacks.
Peace diplomacy continues between Washington, Kyiv and Moscow
Zelenskyy’s latest remarks come as diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine continue following visits by US special representatives to Kyiv and Moscow.
Kyiv has repeatedly maintained that no agreement concerning Ukraine can be reached without Ukraine’s participation. Ukrainian officials have also continued to emphasize the importance of security guarantees as part of any potential peace settlement.
The upcoming US contacts are therefore expected to address both the diplomatic track and Ukraine’s immediate security needs, including military assistance, air defense and energy security.