Zelensky proposes energy ceasefire to Trump in New York

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump in New York on September 22 and proposed a mutual halt to strikes on energy infrastructure, with the US to relay the offer to Moscow. Zelensky said Kyiv would stop attacking Russian refineries if Russia ceased hitting Ukrainian energy facilities. The proposal comes as Russia continues air strikes on Ukraine, including a gas station in Kyiv and a shopping center in Zaporizhye. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed no such agreement exists yet, though he called it a logical step. Experts note both sides interpret the truce differently, with Russia seeking to protect its vulnerable refineries while continuing attacks. Analysts warn of risks for Ukraine, citing the failed March 2025 ceasefire and the need for US guarantees, clear definitions of protected targets, and monitoring mechanisms. Ukraine has prepared better for winter with increased distributed generation and nuclear capacity, though experts expect Russia may resume major attacks by late December.