7 Takeaways From Zelensky’s New York Press Conference After Trump Meeting

President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s position on an energy ceasefire, possible talks with Vladimir Putin, domestic Patriot missile production and growing threats to Europe following a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump. Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, the two leaders discussed possible diplomatic steps and critical winter support, including de-escalation proposals, air-defense needs and plans to produce Patriot interceptors in Ukraine.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Here are seven key takeaways from Zelensky’s remarks to reporters following the meeting. 1. Ukraine is ready for an energy ceasefire – on one condition Zelensky said Kyiv is prepared to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow reciprocates by ending attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, heating and water infrastructure. “We are ready for an energy ceasefire,” Zelensky said. “If they don’t want us to attack their diesel and refineries... we are ready, if they will not attack our energy system.” He stressed that any arrangement must be reciprocal: “You don’t attack these, and we will not attack these.” Zelensky said Washington would convey the proposal to Moscow, adding that Russia’s position remains unclear. 2. No US pressure for unilateral halt to refinery strikes The Ukrainian president pushed back against suggestions that Trump had asked Kyiv to stop striking Russian energy infrastructure without a corresponding commitment from Moscow. “Today, there were no requests whatsoever for Ukraine to stop its strikes unilaterally,” Zelensky said. “On the contrary, we discussed what we can do in this situation.” Other Topics of Interest Zelensky, UK PM Burnham Meet in New York as Kyiv Warns Russia Preparing Massive Attack The leaders discussed air defense, winter energy protection and sanctions as Burnham pressed allies for continued support for Ukraine. Zelensky described the strikes as a response to Russia’s continuing attacks and tied any halt directly to reciprocity. “If you want us not to respond against diesel refineries, factories, energy, oil and so on – of course we will not,” he said, if Moscow also stops. 3. Zelensky ready for trilateral talks with Trump and Putin Zelensky said Trump remained focused on ending the war and argued that the US president could bring the two sides together for direct negotiations. “I think that the most important thing President Trump can really do... is organize a trilateral meeting where the leaders of all sides can meet and try to end the war,” Zelensky said. Asked directly whether he was prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky replied: “I’m ready any time when all sides are ready. I think that we all need to move as quickly as possible.” He said declarations about peace mean little without dialogue. “You want to end the war? Sit, speak, end.” 4. Ukraine wants an urgent Patriot package Air defense was another major focus as Ukraine prepares for another winter of Russian missile and drone attacks. Zelensky said Kyiv is seeking a “winter package” of Patriot interceptors from Washington while also working with other countries to secure additional supplies. “We understand the scale of our needs,” Zelensky said. “We will also work with other countries... But the United States is our focus.” Asked whether Washington had committed to providing the interceptors, the Ukrainian leader said there was no firm answer – but emphasized that the request had not been rejected. “When we speak with leaders about sensitive topics, they can say yes or they can say no. And [it is] a good step that nobody said no,” he said. “Believe me, in my job, yes, it’s a good step. They are positive to help us, but I didn’t get a very concrete answer.” Kyiv is also looking beyond immediate supplies and seeking US licenses to prepare domestic Patriot missile production. “My military adviser, Pavlo Palisa, had a conversation with [US defense contractor] Raytheon this morning. The company is ready,” Zelensky said. “We asked President [Trump] to help us move this quicker. He is positive about the licenses. God bless, we will start this.” In Zelensky’s view, setting up production could take a year to a year and a half, making it a long-term investment in Ukraine’s security. 5. Graham sanctions give Trump another tool to pressure Moscow Asked what leverage Washington has if Putin refuses to move toward negotiations, Zelensky pointed to the sanctions law championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and signed by Trump on Sept. 18. Zelensky said he hopes Trump will use the sanctions tool if Moscow refuses to engage in negotiations. “I don’t know Russia’s position,” he said, adding that even a willingness to enter talks would signal that the Kremlin may be ready to move toward a settlement. 6. Zelensky warns Russia could attack another European country Zelensky said Putin’s battlefield failures are increasing pressure on the Kremlin to show results at home. “He’s not winning,” Zelensky said. “For him, it’s a problem because he has to show [something] to his internal society.” He warned Moscow could try to compensate by fracturing Western unity and intimidating Europe. “How to divide unanimity in Europe if we built it?” he asked. “To attack somebody else? To attack and say, ‘Look, I will go further if you will not stop this.’” Pointing to Russian drone activity affecting Moldova, Romania and Poland, as well as incidents in Germany and Nordic countries, Zelensky warned: “That’s why the risk of an offensive by drones, missiles or a land operation is very high against other countries bordering Russia or Belarus.” Asked how those countries should respond, he said: “Respond. Always respond. If you don’t respond to Russians, they will go further.” 7. Russia will keep using money and business to erode Western unity Zelensky also warned that Moscow would use its financial and commercial reach to chip away at Western pressure and rebuild economic ties. He pointed to the EU’s decision Tuesday to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list as part of a compromise that extended sanctions on roughly 3,000 other Russian individuals and entities. “It shows that the way to save unanimity is very difficult,” Zelensky said. Russia, he warned, would continue working through courts, legislation, sanctions disputes and business relationships. “What to do? To block it, to fight against it.” Zelensky said countering Moscow’s financial reach would require unity and resolve. “It’s very difficult to compete with Russian money, with their business, with their economy,” he said. “Only values. Strong position.”