Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as “productive,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the war with a leader he believes “clearly understands the situation.”
The meeting, a significant diplomatic event, took place as both leaders addressed the UN and sought to align their strategies on the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy’s statement reflects a notable change in the dynamic between the two leaders, moving from a previously contentious relationship to one of expressed appreciation and cooperation.
In his remarks, President Zelenskyy highlighted a number of key discussion points. He specifically mentioned the meeting between the First Ladies, Olena Zelenska and Melania Trump, who discussed the “fate of Ukrainian children.” The issue of children abducted by Russia has been a central focus of Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts and has drawn international condemnation. The first ladies’ meeting underscores a personal and humanitarian dimension to the diplomatic talks, which often focus on military and economic issues.
A major topic of discussion between the two presidents was the “promising ideas for bringing peace closer,” which Zelenskyy said he hopes will “yield quick results.” He specifically referenced the PURL program, a U.S.-backed initiative that stands for Priority Ukraine Requirements List. The program, which allows NATO countries to fund the supply of U.S. weapons and technology to Ukraine, has already seen significant military aid packages delivered to Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s mention of the program suggests that the leaders are exploring new ways to accelerate military assistance and strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield.
Zelenskyy’s statement also included a direct endorsement of President Trump’s understanding of the conflict. He said that Trump is “well informed about all aspects of this war” and that Ukraine “highly appreciate[s] his determination to help end this war.” This is a significant vote of confidence from a leader who has often had a complex relationship with the U.S. president. The remarks follow Trump’s own recent statement that Ukraine could “WIN” the war and his critique of Russia as a “paper tiger,” a shift in his foreign policy stance that aligns more closely with Kyiv’s stated war aims.
The meeting and the subsequent comments signal a potential new chapter in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, one defined by a more collaborative and unified approach to ending the war. While President Trump’s previous comments had at times created uncertainty about the level of U.S. support, Zelenskyy’s public gratitude and praise suggest that the two leaders have found common ground. The discussion of the PURL program and other potential projects indicates that this common ground is translating into concrete plans for increased military and financial aid, which are critical for Ukraine’s ability to continue the fight and, as Trump recently stated, “win.”
