The proposal followed a Sunday phone call in which Trump pressed Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries over concerns about global diesel shortages and rising prices, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the call. US diesel prices reached $6.51 a gallon, up from $3.70 a year earlier. After the UN meeting, Zelensky said Trump had not asked Ukraine to stop energy strikes unilaterally.
The leaders also discussed a winter air defense package, including Patriot missiles, and work toward producing Patriot interceptors in Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine needed production licenses, Trump was receptive and the project could take a year to a year and a half. “Raytheon is ready. We asked the president to help us to move quick. He is positive with licenses,” Zelensky said. He also reiterated his willingness to meet Trump and Vladimir Putin together, while saying: “I want to end this war, but Putin isn't ready for that.”