Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to make a major diplomatic push for international support for Kyiv as the second day of the 81st United Nations General Assembly gets underway in New York.
Zelenskyy is expected to address world leaders after a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the assembly. The two leaders discussed efforts to end the war with Russia, with Zelenskyy saying Ukraine was prepared to consider an energy ceasefire if Moscow agrees to stop attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian president has also indicated that he remains open to a trilateral meeting involving Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a pathway towards ending the conflict.
The UN gathering comes amid renewed international concern over the war. Smoke was reported over Kyiv on Wednesday following a Russian drone attack, underscoring the continuing military pressure despite diplomatic efforts.
Trump has said he believes the conflict can be brought to an end relatively quickly, while Zelenskyy has urged greater pressure on Moscow and called for stronger international backing for Ukraine.
The day’s programme will also feature several European leaders, while Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions over trade, technology and global security.
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