The United Nations General Assembly in New York is the epicenter of global attention today, with presidents from Ukraine, Iran, and Syria delivering keenly anticipated speeches. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took the stage early, passionately appealing for increased military aid to counter Russia, a day after President Trump signaled a renewed backing for Kyiv. Tensions between Europe and Russia have been escalating, more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Zelensky highlighted recent Russian incursions into the airspace of Poland and Estonia, warning about the rapid evolution of weaponry. He voiced concerns that drones could soon be used to deliver nuclear devices by terrorists or states, and that the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence poses new, severe dangers.
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelensky declared. His strong emphasis on weapons as a conflict-resolution tool stood in stark contrast to the General Assembly’s traditional spirit of promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation to end wars.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is also scheduled to speak. His appearance comes three months after a fierce 12-day conflict with Israel, which ended with a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Pezeshkian is expected to portray Iran as a victim of military aggression.
Syria’s new President, Ahmed al-Shara, will make his global debut, marking the first time a Syrian leader has addressed the Assembly since 1967. Al-Shara, who led opposition forces in the overthrow of the Assad family, is expected to outline domestic policies on ethnic and tribal violence, alongside foreign policies concerning Israel and the West.
Beyond these immediate crises, artificial intelligence and climate change are prominent topics at this year’s gathering. The Security Council will convene to discuss AI’s threat to global peace, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is hosting a climate summit.
Here’s a closer look at the key developments:
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Ukraine War: Zelensky’s address followed President Trump’s surprising statement that Ukraine could reclaim all lost territory, a significant shift in his outlook on the conflict. Zelensky spoke amidst heightened tensions between Europe and Russia, particularly after Russian fighter jets and drones breached the airspace of NATO members Romania, Poland, and Estonia.
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Nuclear Negotiations: President Pezeshkian’s appearance is critical as Iran faces potential U.N. sanctions this week if nuclear talks with Britain, France, and Germany fail to achieve a breakthrough.
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Syrian Policies: President al-Shara is expected to detail his government’s approach to sectarian violence in Syria and its stance on Israel and Western nations.
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A.I. Worries: Security Council members have expressed concerns that unregulated AI could destabilize global peace. Secretary-General Guterres has advocated for a global watchdog to supervise the technology and establish governing rules.
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Climate Change: At a summit hosted by Guterres, U.N. member states will present their national climate plans in preparation for the COP30 climate conference in Brazil this November. Addressing global warming remains a top priority for Guterres at the U.N.
From Kyiv, Marc Santora reports that Zelensky stressed that ending the war in Ukraine is the only way to halt the proliferation of increasingly deadly and sophisticated weapons. He argued that ending the conflict now would be ‘cheaper’ for nations than bearing the costs Ukraine has, such as protecting children in underground school bunkers or investing in defenses against advanced maritime drones. Zelensky emphasized that preventing a country from developing nuclear-capable drones is less costly than waiting for such a threat to materialize. “If it takes weapons to do it, if it takes pressure to do it, then it must be done,” he stated.
Zelensky further asserted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ignited a new arms race, warning that “weapons are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves.” He placed sole blame on Russia for this escalation.
Ukrainians are experiencing a mix of gratitude and skepticism following President Trump’s recent shift in rhetoric regarding the war. Trump, who previously urged Ukraine to consider land concessions, now believes Ukraine can not only withstand but ultimately win the war, regaining all lost territory. He characterized Russia’s economy as ‘teetering on collapse’ and its military as a ‘paper tiger.’ These remarks were met with cautious appreciation in Ukraine, with President Zelensky expressing surprise at their assertiveness. Commentators, while welcoming the shift, remained wary of an immediate White House policy overhaul. Moscow predictably dismissed Trump’s assessment, drawing parallels between Russia and an unyielding bear.
Image caption: President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine with President Trump in New York on Tuesday. Just months ago, Mr. Trump had told Mr. Zelensky in the Oval Office that he had “no cards” to play.
This is not the first pivot in Trump’s stance; he previously insisted Ukraine would have to cede territory after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, following a recent meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Trump stated his full understanding of the war’s military and economic dynamics, leading to his changed outlook. Despite this, the realism of a full Ukrainian victory remains uncertain, with military commanders acknowledging no purely military path to reclaiming all occupied land without an unexpected Russian collapse. Zelensky, however, highlighted Ukraine’s recent retaking of 360 square kilometers in September, stating, “It’s not a big victory, but it means we are not losing.”
Image caption: Evacuees from the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine arrived last month in Pavlograd, Ukraine, which is farther from the front.
Russia’s numerical advantage continues to give it an edge in a war of attrition, occupying over 1,150 square miles of Ukrainian land this year. Yet, Zelensky maintains that international sanctions and rising war costs are crippling Russia’s economy. This resonated with Trump’s social media comments about Russia’s economic struggles. The Kremlin, however, anticipates a long conflict, banking on its large population and industrial capacity, and dismisses economic woes. While drone strikes have caused some fuel shortages in Russia, unemployment remains low, and incomes have risen.
Image caption: A Ukrainian soldier on the outskirts of the eastern city of Kupiansk in May. Russia’s summer offensive made only marginal advances, at great cost.
Ukrainians remain cautious, having learned to prioritize action over words. Zelensky, addressing the U.N. Security Council, referenced the 1994 Budapest Memorandum’s failure to protect Ukraine’s security in exchange for nuclear disarmament, calling it evidence that “international promises can turn into blabbering.” He affirmed that Ukraine is building a new security architecture with over 30 nations, including Britain and France, and counts on the United States as a crucial ‘backstop.’ Trump’s parting words, “Good luck to all!” on Truth Social, suggested a distant stance.
Farnaz Fassihi notes that Zelensky’s fervent call to arms and his emphasis on weapons as the sole path to resolving conflict stands in stark contrast to the core principles of the General Assembly and the United Nations, which prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to end wars.
Marc Santora adds that Zelensky accused international institutions of inaction while emphasizing that freedom requires weapons. He reiterated the rapid evolution of war weapons, stating, “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history.” He also highlighted the growing threat of artificial intelligence and called for urgent regulation, warning that “A few years from now may be too late.”
Farnaz Fassihi reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky believes international rules have failed, and only “friends and weapons” can save a nation in wartime. He drew parallels between the war in Gaza and the situation in Ukraine.
Image caption: Spain’s King Felipe VI, addressing world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
Spain’s King Felipe VI, the first leader to address the General Assembly today, staunchly defended the United Nations, calling it “indefensible and irreplaceable.” King Felipe, whose country has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and recently imposed an arms embargo on Israel, spoke passionately about the humanitarian crisis and Palestinian suffering from famine, starvation, and forced displacement in Gaza. He described these as “abhorrent acts that stand in stark contrast to everything that this forum represents… They offend human conscious and shame the entire international community.”
Edward Wong reports that President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria, in a Tuesday gathering hosted by the Middle East Institute think tank in Manhattan, expressed openness to a security agreement with Israel. However, he cautioned that the Israeli government must restrain any regional expansion plans and aggressive military actions. “Any success in reaching a security agreement with Israel would pave the way toward peace, but there can be no peace through heavy-handed policies,” he stated. He added that “Syria will not pose a threat to any country, including Israel. The real risk comes from continued airspace violations and provocations.”
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived at the U.N. General Assembly to deliver his speech, as his nation faces a critical juncture after a recent conflict with Israel and the United States, compounded by existing sanctions. A cardiovascular physician turned moderate politician, Pezeshkian is seeking to avert additional sanctions from the United Nations Security Council, stemming from disputes with Britain, France, and Germany over Iran’s nuclear program.
Image caption: President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran during a military parade in Tehran in April. He will appear on the global stage at the U.N. General Assembly for the first time since the 12-day war with Israel in June.
In June, Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day conflict, initiated by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military facilities and the assassination of top commanders. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Israel, and the United States subsequently bombed Iran’s three nuclear facilities, effectively halting its program. Pezeshkian, making his first global appearance since the June conflict, aims to portray Iran as a victim of an unprovoked military attack, while also contending with potential European sanctions. Despite Iran’s long-standing claims of a peaceful nuclear program and the International Atomic Energy Agency finding no evidence of weaponization prior to the attacks, Iran has maintained a hostile policy towards Israel, supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Furthermore, Iran had accelerated its nuclear program, enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and accumulating enough stockpile for several bombs if weaponized. The stakes are immense for Pezeshkian; without concessions, including full access for international inspectors, Security Council sanctions — encompassing a freeze on Iranian assets abroad — are set to take effect on September 28. Iran’s currency has already plummeted since the war, and new restrictions could further destabilize its struggling economy and derail diplomatic efforts. Ellie Geranmayeh, an expert on Iran, suggests that this U.N. General Assembly may be Iran’s last chance this year for an agreement with Trump to prevent another Israeli strike. Prominent Iranian political figures are urging Pezeshkian to consider a historic meeting with President Trump, a gesture not seen since 1979. The Security Council has already initiated a ‘snapback’ mechanism for sanctions due to Iran’s alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. Conditions for suspending these sanctions include reinstating international inspections, disclosing the location of a 400-kilogram stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, and engaging in serious negotiations with the United States. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is in New York for diplomatic talks, having recently agreed with the IAEA to resume cooperation, though inspections have not yet restarted. Analysts are pessimistic about a deal before the deadline due to internal political divisions and a lack of clear strategy. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, stating that their uranium enrichment to 60 percent is for national needs, not for bombs, which typically require 90 percent purity.
Despite former President Trump’s disavowal of climate action, the global commitment to addressing climate change shows no signs of waning, as stated by European Union climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. In an interview in New York City, Hoekstra noted that the E.U. is actively pursuing policies directly opposite to the Trump administration’s stance, which he finds “concerning and problematic.”
Image caption: The European Union climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, in Brussels in July.
Hoekstra emphasized that other major economies are increasing their emissions-reduction targets. This commitment will be tested at the U.N. climate summit in New York, where 118 countries are expected to announce their 2035 emissions targets under the Paris climate accord. The E.U. itself, however, has yet to finalize its own 2035 targets, which could make the session somewhat awkward. China is also expected to announce its targets, drawing close scrutiny due to its substantial current emissions and its rapid advancements in clean-energy technologies like solar, wind, and battery manufacturing.
During his 57-minute speech to the U.N. General Assembly, Trump largely dismissed climate change threats, criticizing wind turbines, environmentalists, and international allies. The United States plans to withdraw from the Paris accord and will not present any emissions-reduction targets at the summit.
Hoekstra defended the E.U.’s delay in setting its targets as a natural aspect of its democratic process. He stated that the E.U. has tentatively agreed to reduce emissions by 66 to 72 percent by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, and these terms will be finalized before the COP30 climate conference in Brazil in November. He asserted that this democratic approach is superior to systems lacking global ambition and democratic legitimacy.
His remarks underscore the complex geopolitical position of European leaders, who are increasingly at odds with Washington’s environmental policies yet rely on U.S. cooperation for trade and security. This reliance is evident in the E.U.’s accelerated ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, a move that benefits American gas suppliers. The E.U. also committed to buying $250 billion in oil and gas from the United States annually through the end of Trump’s term.
Europe is also cautiously observing China, whose companies dominate clean energy technologies, from critical mineral control to inexpensive electric vehicle manufacturing, leading to accusations of unfair competition from European lawmakers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed surprise at President Trump’s change of heart regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, noting that their relationship feels “better than before.” In an interview with Fox News, Zelensky recounted Trump’s recent social media post on Truth Social, where the former president stated his belief that Ukraine could, with financial support from NATO and the European Union, reclaim all territory lost to Russia. This comment was particularly striking, given that just a month prior, Trump had supported a plan for Ukraine to cede land for peace. Zelensky also suggested that President Vladimir Putin’s consistent dishonesty contributed to improving his relationship with Trump.
Image caption: President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and President Trump on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Trump’s words during his own U.N. General Assembly speech, expressing happiness that Trump now believes Ukraine would not only survive but also see its rights prevail. Zelensky, in response to a question, saw Trump’s shift on land concessions as potentially instrumental in ending the war. The relationship between the two leaders has previously been strained, notably during a contentious Oval Office meeting in February where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly berated Zelensky. However, their recent meeting at the General Assembly saw Trump praise Zelensky as a “brave man,” acknowledging Ukraine’s impressive fight. Zelensky noted that their past lack of a close relationship might have been due to insufficient time, and appreciated their frequent phone calls and meetings now. Despite this positive development, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine remains in a “very difficult position,” with Russia continuing to capture significant territory monthly and Ukrainian forces consistently outmanned and outgunned.