Zelensky and Trump to Meet at UN Over Oil Refinery Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, September 22, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, with the main topic expected to be Trump's displeasure over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. The Telegraph reports Trump has pressured Zelensky to halt drone and missile attacks on Russian energy facilities, citing concerns that the strikes worsen the global diesel shortage and drive up fuel prices. Ukrainian officials said Trump strongly urged an end to the attacks, though limiting long-range strikes could deprive Ukraine of a key negotiating tool. Trump faces near-record-low approval ratings amid voter discontent over fuel costs, with analysts predicting Republican losses in November midterm elections. Zelensky has publicly called the conversation "important," while Trump has also proposed a major potash fertilizer deal with Belarus to aid American farmers.