France and the United States will jointly push for a moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 22, 2026, after meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The initiative aims to halt attacks on power grids and civilian facilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Macron said the discussions with Trump focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defences and reducing strikes affecting the energy sector, with particular emphasis on helping Ukrainian forces intercept incoming attacks more quickly and effectively. Macron indicated he planned to raise the energy-strikes moratorium proposal directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a separate meeting at the UN gathering.
What Is the France-US Energy Strikes Moratorium Proposal?
The proposed moratorium would seek a mutual halt to attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure by both Russia and Ukraine, addressing a tactic that has repeatedly left millions of Ukrainians without power, heating or water during winter months. Macron’s UN address separately stated “There can be no peace without justice,” positioning the energy truce as a practical, near-term step rather than a comprehensive peace settlement.
What Do Other Leaders Say?
The Macron-Trump talks came during a broader UN General Assembly week dominated by discussion of the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and the Middle East. Trump’s own UN address touched on his administration’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, though he devoted more time to Iran. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, addressing a separate regional security matter, set out a three-part plan for “peaceful coexistence” with North Korea during the same UN week, illustrating the range of conflict-resolution efforts converging at the Assembly.
Market and Trade Reaction
European energy markets, which have remained sensitive to Ukrainian grid disruptions and their knock-on effects on regional gas and electricity prices, are likely to watch the moratorium proposal closely given its potential to stabilise winter energy supply forecasts. Ukraine’s own reconstruction and utility sectors would benefit most directly from any sustained reduction in infrastructure strikes, which have repeatedly forced emergency repair spending and import of backup power capacity.
What Happens Next?
Macron is set to raise the proposal formally with Zelenskyy at a follow-up UN meeting, after which France and the US are expected to seek broader international backing, potentially including Russia’s engagement, for any workable moratorium. No firm timeline for implementation has been announced, and the proposal remains at an early diplomatic stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Macron and Trump agree on regarding Ukraine?
They agreed to jointly pursue a moratorium on strikes against Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure, discussed during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026.
Why does an energy strikes moratorium matter for Ukraine?
Repeated attacks on Ukraine’s power grid have left millions without electricity, heating or water during winter, so a moratorium would aim to protect civilian infrastructure from further damage.
Who else did Macron plan to discuss the proposal with?
Macron said he planned to raise the energy-strikes moratorium directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a separate meeting at the UN gathering.
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