Trump and Zelensky Meet as Trump Calls for End to Ukraine War
President Donald Trump called for an end to the "absurd and endless war" in Ukraine, ahead of a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York on Tuesday. Trump cited Russia's loss of control over its diesel industry due to destroyed refineries. Zelensky echoed Trump's call, stating the war "must end" and mentioning de-escalation ideas. Trump has reportedly urged Zelensky to stop attacks on Russian refineries, concerned about global fuel prices ahead of the US Midterms. The Kremlin says it is open to renewed three-way talks but sees no encouraging signs yet. A Ukrainian drone attack on September 20 halted operations at Moscow's main Gazprom Neft refinery, with both primary distillation units damaged and repairs potentially taking weeks. The plant processed 11.6 million tons of crude in 2024. Russian raids on Ukraine continued, killing three in Dnipro.