French President Emmanuel Macron said he discussed a possible energy truce in Ukraine with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in New York. The discussion took place as world leaders gathered for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Macron said the meeting was constructive and focused on the war between Ukraine and Russia. He said the two leaders discussed the need to help Ukraine strengthen its air defences, especially by providing more interceptors.
The French president also raised the idea of stopping attacks on energy facilities. Such a pause could help protect power systems and other critical infrastructure as the conflict continues.
Energy infrastructure has become an important part of the war because attacks can affect electricity, heating and other basic services. Damage to these systems can also create wider problems for civilians during periods of severe weather.
Macron said he planned to raise the issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well. The French leader was due to meet Zelenskyy during his activities in New York.
The discussion between Macron and Trump comes as the United States and European countries continue to examine ways to reduce the effects of the conflict. Washington and European governments have supported Ukraine while also looking for diplomatic openings.
Macron said that improving Ukraine’s defensive capabilities remained important. He pointed to interceptors as a key requirement because Ukraine needs to protect its cities and infrastructure from missile and drone attacks.
The proposed energy pause would not by itself end the wider conflict. Instead, it would focus on one area that has a direct effect on civilian life and economic activity.
The idea also comes at a sensitive time for Europe. The war has affected energy markets, security planning and relations between European governments and Russia.
France has continued to support Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic efforts with international partners. Macron has also used meetings with other leaders to discuss European security and the future of the conflict.
The United Nations gathering provides a major opportunity for those discussions because many of the governments involved are represented in New York. Leaders can hold direct meetings alongside the formal General Assembly program.
The United States remains one of Ukraine’s most important military and political partners. France has also played an active role in European discussions about support for Kyiv and possible diplomatic steps.
For Macron, the meeting with Trump offered an opportunity to discuss both immediate security needs and possible measures that could reduce damage to Ukraine’s energy system.
The French president did not present the energy proposal as a completed agreement. Further discussions would be needed between the United States, France, Ukraine and Russia before any such arrangement could take effect.
The issue is likely to remain part of diplomatic discussions during the UN General Assembly. Macron said he hoped progress could be made while many world leaders were gathered in New York.
For now, the proposal remains an idea under discussion. Its future will depend on whether the countries involved can agree on terms and whether Russia and Ukraine are prepared to stop attacks on energy targets.
The meeting nevertheless shows that energy security remains closely connected to wider efforts to manage the war. Macron’s comments on September 22 put the issue back into focus as international leaders continue their talks in New York.
