Zelensky and Macron arrive in New York for UN General Assembly and Trump talks

Diplomatic arrivals for the 81st General Assembly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska landed in New York alongside an official diplomatic delegation to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Zelensky announced via his Telegram account that his team has prepared an itinerary consisting of approximately 20 bilateral meetings throughout the summit. The Ukrainian head of state has scheduled talks with the President of the United States, European heads of state, members of the United States Senate, and representatives from the United States House of Representatives. In addition to legislative and government leaders, the schedule includes meetings with leaders of international organizations, prominent American corporations, and policy think tanks. The diplomatic engagements take place on the sidelines of the annual gathering at the United Nations headquarters.

Naturally, the number one priority of Ukraine is to bring peace closer and protect the lives of our people.

Ukrainian defense priorities and the Drone Agreement

The Ukrainian delegation arrived in New York with specific policy objectives centered on air defense, state financing, and military technology agreements. Zelensky stated that a new Drone Agreement is prepared and awaiting formal signature during the bilateral sessions. The Ukrainian proposals include concrete security measures and de-escalation steps intended to bring the war closer to a conclusion. Delegation officials are working to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities through discussions with international partners while securing sustained financial assistance. Alongside these bilateral meetings, Ukraine is organizing the International Crimea Platform Summit in New York, continuing the format held in the city during the previous year. The Crimea Platform event brings together high-level delegations from partner nations to reaffirm support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial boundaries.

Humanitarian agenda of the First Lady

First Lady Olena Zelenska is conducting a distinct series of public and bilateral engagements across New York. Her program includes a formal address to faculty members and students at Columbia University. At the United Nations, Zelenska is scheduled to present the latest results and findings from the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. The First Lady is also holding discussions with leaders of American companies and philanthropic organizations to direct funding toward initiatives overseen by the Olena Zelenska Foundation. Her diplomatic schedule includes targeted bilateral meetings with international figures, including the spouse of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the President of the World Bank.

French bilateral talks and United Nations reform

French President Emmanuel Macron travelled on foot through the streets of New York with his delegation to reach Trump Tower for a direct meeting with US President Donald Trump. The bilateral discussion between Macron and Trump took place on the sidelines of the opening of the General Assembly. This meeting occurred ahead of Macron's scheduled speech to the United Nations delegates on Tuesday. During his address, the French leader intends to advocate for a more effective system of multilateralism built upon coalitions of states that can achieve concrete outcomes. The French government noted that the United Nations is currently going through a phase of operational difficulty, making targeted state coalitions a central focus of France's diplomatic approach.