President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in New York for the UN General Assembly, where he has already met French President Emmanuel Macron, with talks with Donald Trump set for Sept. 22.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, arrived in New York ahead of the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Late on Sept. 21, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron, and on Sept. 22 he is due to hold talks with US President Donald Trump. Overall, the visit's agenda includes around 20 meetings — with European leaders, US lawmakers from both parties, and representatives of business and think tanks. Volunteers Support Ukraine is closely following this diplomatic week, which could shape the course of the peace process ahead.
At the meeting with Zelensky, Macron outlined joint efforts with the US aimed at securing a moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and protecting civilians. In response, Zelensky stressed that any de-escalation must be reciprocal: Russia must halt attacks on Ukraine's power grid, infrastructure, and supply chains, while Ukraine stands ready to take corresponding steps of its own.
According to the Ukrainian president, there is currently real "diplomatic momentum," and the upcoming meeting with Trump "could change a lot." Kyiv, he said, is ready to take serious steps on security while preserving the country's sovereignty.
The delegation's plane touched down late in the evening, where Zelensky and Olena Zelenska were met by Ukraine's diplomatic mission on the tarmac.
Beyond the talks with Trump, the visit's agenda includes participation in a UN Security Council session on "Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine" and an address to the General Assembly's general debate. A new drone deal is also expected to be signed, alongside participation in the Crimea Platform summit held on the margins of the General Assembly. First Lady Olena Zelenska will present the outcomes of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and address students at Columbia University.
The agenda for the Trump meeting has not been officially disclosed, but it is expected to cover de-escalation steps and fundamental security issues — energy security, food security, and protecting human life.
Volunteers Support Ukraine continues helping people affected by the war in whatever way its available resources allow, and hopes this diplomatic week in New York brings a just peace for Ukraine closer.
