Zelenskyy Offers Energy Truce, Urges Trump to Call Putin and Xi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed an energy-sector ceasefire to Russia and urged US President Donald Trump to initiate a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy made the statement after a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (22/9/2026).

During the meeting, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is ready to agree to an energy ceasefire provided Moscow halts attacks on electricity, heating, and water supply infrastructure. "We are ready. I am not sure Russia is ready today, but we are talking about an energy ceasefire," Zelenskyy said via social media, citing his remarks to reporters.

Zelenskyy also asked Trump to involve Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he considers to have influence over Putin. "If we want to end this war, we all have to work 24/7," he said. He added that he is ready to meet directly with Putin and Trump whenever all parties are ready, stressing the need to move "as quickly as possible".

The meeting in New York was a rare moment for Zelenskyy to discuss air defense support and security guarantees for Kyiv. However, diplomatic efforts have hit a dead end as Washington shifts its focus to the conflict with Iran. Negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Ukraine earlier this month but have yet to produce concrete results.

Trump, in his speech at the UN General Assembly, stated his commitment to ending the war. "We will get it done," he said. Nevertheless, he also highlighted that Russia is losing control of its diesel oil industry due to the war, which has contributed to a surge in diesel prices in the US.

"I told President Trump openly, if he also involves President Xi, he has influence over Putin. If we want to end this war, we all have to work 24/7 for the people," Zelenskyy said.

For Indonesia, these developments could affect global energy price stability. Tensions in Ukraine and Iran have pushed fossil fuel prices, including diesel, to their highest levels. As an oil importer, Indonesia is vulnerable to supply shocks that could widen the budget deficit and threaten people's purchasing power. In addition, an escalation of the conflict could disrupt food and fertilizer supply chains, given that Ukraine and Russia are major producers of those commodities.

The Indonesian government needs to closely monitor these geopolitical dynamics, especially their impact on energy subsidy programs and national food security. Active economic diplomacy, including diversifying import sources and strengthening strategic reserves, will be crucial to anticipating global uncertainty.

Looking ahead, will the energy ceasefire materialize or instead become a new chapter of escalation? Everything depends on Moscow's willingness and the effectiveness of international pressure, including China's role, which has so far been reluctant to take a firm stance against Russia.