President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered a compelling address at the United Nations General Assembly, making an impassioned plea for increased military assistance to counter Russia’s aggression. His call for arms was accompanied by a stark warning about the dawn of a new, perilous era in military technology. This comes just a day after a notable shift in rhetoric from President Trump, who signaled renewed support for Kyiv’s war effort against Russia.
Highlighting recent incursions by Russian drones into Polish and Estonian airspace, events that have heightened tensions across Europe, Zelensky underscored the critical need for advanced weaponry. He cautioned that military technologies are evolving rapidly, posing a threat to all nations. Specifically, he raised concerns that drones could one day be weaponized by terrorists or states to deliver nuclear devices, and pointed to the escalating dangers posed by uncontrolled advancements in artificial intelligence.
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelensky declared.
Also addressing the Assembly was Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose speech followed three months after a intense, 12-day conflict with Israel that culminated in a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Pezeshkian portrayed Iran as a victim of military aggression, asserting that his country “has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” echoing previous statements from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a historic moment, Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Shara made his first appearance on the global stage, marking the first time a Syrian leader has addressed the Assembly since 1967. Al-Shara, who led the opposition forces that ended the Assad family’s decades-long rule, outlined his government’s extensive efforts to rebuild Syria and its institutions. He also condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and sought to redefine his nation’s image internationally.
Here’s a closer look at key developments:
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Ukraine Conflict: Zelensky’s address to the UN followed President Trump’s statement suggesting Ukraine could reclaim all lost territory, a notable shift in his stance on the conflict. The Ukrainian leader spoke amidst high tensions between Europe and Russia, exacerbated by recent Russian fighter jet and drone intrusions into the airspace of Romania, Poland, and Estonia – all NATO members.
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Nuclear Diplomacy: Pezeshkian’s appearance was timely, as Iran faces potential UN sanctions this week if nuclear negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany fail to make progress. His speech, however, offered little new insight into Iran’s strategy for resolving the nuclear standoff.
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AI Concerns: Members of the Security Council have expressed alarm over the unchecked development of artificial intelligence, a concern echoed by Zelensky, who highlighted its potential military applications. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a global body to regulate AI technology and establish governing rules.
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Climate Action: Ahead of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil in November, a climate summit hosted by Guterres will see UN member states present their national climate action plans. Global warming remains a top priority for the UN Secretary-General.
Syrian President Calls for Gaza Solidarity and Israel-Syria Buffer Zone Reinstatement
The Syrian president concluded his remarks at the General Assembly by expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza, who have endured two years of devastating conflict with Israel. “The suffering Syria endured, we wish upon no one,” he stated, emphasizing, “For this reason we stand firmly with the people of Gaza.”
Furthermore, Al-Shara advocated for the revival of a 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria, which established a UN-monitored buffer zone separating their forces. He noted that Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes within Syrian territory since the fall of the Assad regime, arguing that such actions contradict international support for Syria and risk triggering new regional crises. “In the face of this aggression, Syria is committed to dialogue,” Al-Shara affirmed.
President Ahmed al-Shara, the former rebel leader now at the helm of Syria’s new government, informed the UN General Assembly that his administration is actively working to reconstruct the country following decades of oppression under the Assad regime. He proclaimed, “Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace, for Syria and the region.” This marks the first time a Syrian leader has addressed the UN since the 1960s.
President Ahmed al-Shara’s inaugural address to the UN General Assembly follows his rebel coalition’s ousting of the Assad regime last year. This represents a remarkable turnaround for al-Shara, a former rebel figure with past ties to Al Qaeda, who remains officially designated as a terrorist by both the United States and the United Nations. He is the first Syrian leader to engage with the General Assembly in nearly six decades.
Argentina’s President Milei Praises Trump, Estonia Raises Ukraine War Concerns
Argentina’s President Javier Milei used his address to the General Assembly to commend President Trump, lauding his tariff policies for “restructuring” international trade and his efforts to “clean up the institutional capture” of government by what Milei described as left-wing forces. He also voiced approval for Trump’s immigration policies.
This praise follows a Monday commitment from the Trump administration to provide necessary support for Argentina’s struggling economy, offering a crucial lifeline to Milei ahead of upcoming legislative elections. Trump has openly embraced Milei as a like-minded political figure, and their strong personal connection has reportedly deepened ties between the United States and Argentina.
The Estonian president’s address followed swiftly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s powerful speech. Zelensky had called for more military aid and issued a stark warning about the rapid evolution of weaponry, including drones capable of delivering nuclear bombs, which he said imperil all nations.
Estonian President Alar Karis, addressing the UN General Assembly, stated that Russia’s actions in the Ukrainian conflict are undermining the fundamental principles of the United Nations, which were established to safeguard peace. “Brutality prevails,” he asserted.
Tensions between Russia and Estonia have been running high since early this month, when Estonia reported that Russian fighter jets had encroached on its airspace, an accusation Russia denies.
Zelensky: Global Institutions Fail to Halt Russia; Calls for Immediate Action on Arms Race and AI Regulation
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered a profound message to world leaders gathered in New York, asserting that more weaponry is crucial for his nation’s defense, given the perceived failure of international institutions to uphold peace.
“No one but ourselves can guarantee our security,” he stated before the U.N. General Assembly. “International law does not fully function without powerful friends ready to defend it. Even having friends won’t work without weapons. The only guarantee of security is friends and weapons.”
Despite his urgent call for military aid, Zelensky also issued a grave warning about swift advancements in military technology and artificial intelligence, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that “weapons are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves.”
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” he added, placing full blame on Russia.
This dual message, seemingly contradictory, is a grim reality for Ukrainians, who witness the daily transformation of military conflict through new technologies. Ukraine has emerged as a global leader in developing and deploying inexpensive drones, rigorously testing these innovations on the battlefield. Russia, too, is integrating new technologies into its offensive operations.
“The 21st century is hardly different from the last: a people who desire peace must work on armament,” Zelensky stated. “It is abnormal, but this is the reality — weapons decide who survives.”
He urged world leaders to view the conflict not as a distant threat but as an immediate global danger. He painted a future where all international ports would require defenses against maritime drones, where criminal organizations could exploit drones for widespread destruction, and where terrorists could inflict casualties with unprecedented ease.
“Now the question is only who will first create a simple drone capable of delivering nuclear warheads,” Zelensky warned.
The future, he contended, would be even more perilous with the integration of AI into drones, leading him to advocate for urgent regulation of this technology.
“It won’t be long before drones appear that will attack critical infrastructure completely autonomously, without human involvement,” he cautioned. “We need rules regarding the use of A.I. in weapons. This is as urgent as stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.”
However, he stressed that the immediate priority remained halting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We all must use our capabilities to stop the aggressor,” he concluded. “Only then is there a chance that this arms race will not turn into a catastrophe.”
Syrian Leader Addresses UN for First Time in 58 Years, Seeking New Image
The last occasion a Syrian president addressed the United Nations General Assembly dates back to 1967, a year marked by the release of The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ album, Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ dominating U.S. prime time television.
Today, President Ahmed al-Shara will stand before the international body, aiming to present a refreshed portrayal of his tumultuous Arab nation, as he recently shared with journalists and researchers in Damascus, the Syrian capital.
“Our priority is to define Syria’s new state,” stated Mr. al-Shara, a former Islamist rebel commander whose forces successfully ousted his predecessor, Bashar al-Assad, last year. “Syria needs to be defined in a new way.”
Al-Shara’s presidency follows a 13-year civil war that left cities in ruins, displaced half the population, and resulted in over 500,000 deaths.
He asserted that the world should no longer associate Syria with conflict, refugees, and illicit drugs. His government, he noted, has initiated crackdowns on illegal drug production and export, welcomes refugees to return, and actively cooperates with international bodies on critical issues like chemical weapons disarmament.
Mr. al-Shara presents an unconventional figure for addressing global leaders at the General Assembly. After joining the insurgency against U.S. forces in Iraq in 2003, he founded a branch of Al Qaeda in Syria. While he distanced himself from the terrorist group in 2016 and has since adopted more moderate positions, he remains on the UN’s sanctions list for terrorism.
His predecessor, Nureddin al-Atassi, last addressed the body in 1967, following Israel’s decisive victory over Syria and other Arab states in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War (also known as the Six-Day War), which led to Israel’s occupation and later annexation of the strategic Golan Heights in southern Syria—a territory whose status remains contentious.
In protest of perceived pro-Israel bias at the United Nations, Syrian presidents ceased addressing the General Assembly thereafter, although Syria maintained its membership and diplomatic participation in its meetings.
In 1970, Mr. al-Atassi was overthrown by Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father, who governed Syria until Bashar assumed power in 2000.
Since overthrowing Bashar al-Assad, Mr. al-Shara has actively worked to re-establish and expand Syria’s foreign relations, holding meetings with heads of state from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other nations, some of whom had previously maintained hostile stances toward his predecessor.
He is now focused on enhancing security and fostering economic development in Syria, asserting that other nations should view Syria not as a threat but as a promising opportunity for investment and the promotion of regional stability.
“Syria has turned 180 degrees from the state it was in,” he concluded.
U.K. Reacts to Trump’s Scolding at the UN Amidst Immigration Debate
So much for fond summer memories.
Despite two recent visits to Britain—one to his Scottish golf resorts in July and a lavish state visit last week where he was honored by King Charles III at Windsor Castle—President Trump delivered a harsh critique to European leaders at the United Nations on Tuesday, declaring, “Your countries are going to hell.”
While not explicitly naming Britain, Trump’s remarks were unmistakably directed. He urged Europe to “end the failed experiment of open borders,” a sentiment echoing a public warning he had given Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding immigration during his state visit.
The president further intensified his long-standing feud with London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, baselessly suggesting Khan was attempting to impose Shariah law.
“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed,” he commented. “Now they want to go to Shariah law. But you are in a different country, you can’t do that.”
How Trump formed such a negative impression of London, a city he barely spent 12 hours in overnighting at the American ambassador’s residence before flying to Windsor Castle and Chequers, remains unclear.
During his tightly controlled itinerary, Trump avoided direct encounters with protesters brandishing “Dump Trump” banners. An activist group that projected images of Trump and financier Jeffrey Epstein on the walls of Windsor Castle saw four of its members quickly arrested.
One might spare a thought for Trump’s hosts, who meticulously planned a memorable visit: horse-drawn carriages, Grenadier guards, a white-tie banquet, a Red Arrow aerobatic flyover, and parachutists displaying British and American flags.
British newspapers expressed widespread offense at the perceived slight. “Trump: West going to hell over migration,” proclaimed The Daily Telegraph, highlighting his attack on the mayor. “Your countries are going to hell, Trump tells European leaders,” read The Guardian’s banner headline. The tabloid Daily Mirror simply featured a photo of the president with the headline, “Deranged.”
For Prime Minister Starmer, who has prioritized maintaining a working relationship with Trump regardless of the perceived cost to national dignity, these harsh comments reignite questions about whether it’s time for a “Love, Actually” moment.
In Richard Curtis’s 2003 film, a polite British prime minister, played by Hugh Grant, famously confronts a swaggering American president, played by Billy Bob Thornton, for exploiting an ally. “A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend,” Grant’s character declares, stirring patriotic pride among his aides.
No such direct confrontation is expected from Starmer, a reserved lawyer who has consistently dismissed calls to openly challenge Trump as mere performance. Last March, after Trump reportedly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Starmer commented, “we were under pressure to come out very critically with, you know, flowery adjectives to describe how others felt.”
“I took the view that it was better to pick up the phone and talk to both sides to try and get them back on the same page,” he stated in an interview, adding, “I like and respect him. I understand what he’s trying to achieve.”
Mayor Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, has not remained silent. After an initial reluctance to comment, he publicly labeled Trump “racist” and “Islamophobic” in a Wednesday morning interview, expressing wonder why Trump “appears to be living rent free inside Donald Trump’s head.” He also pointed to official data showing a record number of Americans choosing to settle in Britain.
Trump is not unique in criticizing Britain while simultaneously enjoying its offerings. Vice President JD Vance, for instance, visited the country in August with his family for a vacation in the scenic Cotswolds and a weekend stay at Chevening, the foreign secretary’s country residence.
David Lammy, then serving as foreign secretary, even took Vance carp fishing, obligingly laughing when his guest claimed to have caught more fish. This is the same JD Vance who, months prior, had implied Britain was “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years” (though he later denied specifically referring to Britain or France).
William Hanson, an etiquette coach and author of “Just Good Manners,” suggested that Britain could absorb such uncouth treatment from the United States. Rather than direct retaliation, he proposed a “slight subtle withdrawal” from Trump’s America. However, Hanson conceded, “The Trump administration may not respond to subtlety.”
Panama Defends Canal Control, Iran’s Nuclear Stance Unchanged at UN
President José Raúl Mulino of Panama, during his address to the Assembly, affirmed his nation’s steadfast control over the Panama Canal. This was an apparent response to President Trump’s earlier threats this year about the United States potentially reclaiming the waterway. “Neutrality is the best formula to safeguard security of our canal, a global public good,” Mulino stated. “The Panama Canal is neutral, open to the world and a facilitator of a more integrated international trade. It is and shall remain Panamanian.”
President Pezeshkian’s speech at the UN offered little new insight into Iran’s strategy for resolving its ongoing nuclear program standoff with the United States and European powers. His comments were primarily rhetorical, presenting Iran as a victim of military aggression in its recent conflict with Israel and the United States. Notably, he did not indicate any readiness for Iran to resume negotiations with the United States.
President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s firm stance, stating that “Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” echoing previous declarations made by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Tuesday. He also criticized European nations for pursuing snapback sanctions against Iran through the Security Council, viewing it as a move that undermines diplomatic efforts with the West.
President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran addressed the U.N. General Assembly for the first time since his country experienced a brief war with Israel and the United States. He condemned both nations, accusing them of attacking Iran while it was engaged in negotiations with Washington, a move he described as “a great betrayal of diplomacy.” He presented a booklet containing photographs and biographies of civilians reportedly killed by Israeli strikes in Iran.
Zelensky Warns of Escalating Arms Race and AI Threat
Concluding his powerful address to the General Assembly, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine emphasized that ending the war in Ukraine is the only way to curb the accelerating development of increasingly lethal and sophisticated weaponry. He argued that halting the conflict now would be “cheaper” for nations than facing the future costs, citing Ukraine’s necessity to shelter children in underground bunkers from attacks. It is more cost-effective, he asserted, to compel Russia to end its invasion than for global ports to invest in defenses against maritime drones.
Instead of waiting for a nation to develop a drone capable of delivering a nuclear weapon, Zelensky urged immediate action to stop Russia. “If it takes weapons to do it, if it takes pressure to do it, then it must be done,” he declared.
Zelensky attributed the onset of a new arms race to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, warning that “weapons are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves.” He unequivocally stated, “Only Russia deserves to be blamed for this.”
Ukrainians Wary of Trump’s Sudden Shift on War; EU Resists Climate Slowdown
In the protracted and brutal war in Ukraine, emotions frequently fluctuate between profound hope and deep despair. President Trump’s abrupt reversal on Tuesday regarding his perspective on the conflict—now stating that Ukraine could achieve victory—triggered significant uncertainty among many Ukrainians about how to interpret such a major shift.
Previously, Trump had pressured Ukraine to accept any peace deal, even if it meant ceding territory. However, in a post on Truth Social, he now asserted his belief that Ukraine could not only withstand Russia’s assault but also ultimately win and reclaim all its land. He painted a picture of a Russian economy on the brink of collapse and dismissed the Russian army as a “paper tiger.”
These comments were met in Ukraine with a mix of gratitude and cautious skepticism, rooted in past experiences. Even President Volodymyr Zelensky, while welcoming the statement, admitted he was “a little bit” surprised by its emphatic nature.
Nevertheless, Zelensky understands the critical need to maintain international support as the United States’ commitment appears less firm. In his Wednesday speech to the United Nations General Assembly, he issued a global call to arms.
“The 21st century is hardly different from the last: A people who desire peace must work on armament,” he stated. “It is abnormal, but this is the reality — weapons decide who survives.”
He warned that the conflict in Ukraine would have far-reaching global consequences: “What is happening in Ukraine,” he said, “will not stay in Ukraine.”
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” he added. Zelensky cautioned that if world leaders fail to act decisively, the threat will intensify and incur even greater costs in the future.
Ostap Yarysh, a prominent Ukrainian commentator, noted on Facebook that “Trump’s statement on Ukraine yesterday was certainly the most favorable we’ve heard so far,” but cautioned that it was “too early to talk about a White House strategy overhaul or a radical shift in the president’s thinking, although there is such a temptation.”
Many Ukrainians approached Trump’s social media post with skepticism, some even joking that his position could change at any moment. Viktor Shlinchak, head of the Institute of World Policy, an analytical research group, remarked on Facebook, “What happens next may be as written, or it may be the other way around.”
Mykola Kniazhytsky, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, stated that Trump’s pronouncements contained “nothing new that could affect the end of the war.” He added, “Nothing about the role of the United States. Nothing about expanding military or economic assistance.”
Moscow, as expected, dismissed Trump’s comments. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov quipped, “Russia is more associated with a bear, and there are no paper bears.”
Just months prior, Trump had reportedly reprimanded Zelensky in the Oval Office, telling him he had “no cards” to play. Since then, Trump’s public statements on the war have been inconsistent. However, his red-carpet greeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this summer, which broke years of diplomatic isolation, appeared to shape his perspective.
Following a three-hour meeting with Putin, Trump had maintained that Ukraine would ultimately need to cede territory.
Yet, after his Tuesday meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump asserted that he now fully grasped the military and economic dynamics of the war and had revised his outlook.
“I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump declared on Truth Social. He further added that Russia was “in BIG Economic trouble” and that this presented “the time for Ukraine to act.”
The realism of Trump’s latest assessment of a potential Ukrainian victory remains uncertain. Zelensky and senior Ukrainian military commanders have previously stated that there is no purely military solution to reclaim the approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russian forces, barring an unforeseen Russian collapse.
Trump himself now anticipates a prolonged conflict.
Zelensky stated after his meeting with Trump that they had discussed battlefield developments, and he informed Fox News that U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence assessments were largely congruent.
Before departing Kyiv for the United Nations gathering in New York, Zelensky reported that Ukraine had recaptured approximately 360 square kilometers in September, a claim corroborated by combat footage verified by military analysts.
“It’s not a big victory, but it means we are not losing,” Zelensky told Fox News. “This is important.”
Despite recent Ukrainian advances in some areas of the front, Russian forces have pressed forward elsewhere, leveraging their personnel advantage in a war of attrition.
According to DeepState, a Ukrainian group tracking battlefield movements, Russia has occupied over 1,150 square miles of Ukrainian territory this year, and also pushed Ukrainian forces out of its own Kursk region. However, Russia’s efforts this year have failed to capture many key Ukrainian strongholds, including Pokrovsk.
Zelensky also continues to argue that Russia’s economy is suffering under international sanctions, rising war costs, and Ukrainian strikes on fuel infrastructure.
This argument appears to have resonated with Trump, who mentioned Russia’s economic difficulties and long queues at gas stations in his Tuesday social media post.
When the Kremlin launched its invasion nearly four years ago, it anticipated a swift victory in Ukraine. It now believes a prolonged conflict favors Russia, relying on its large population, industrial capacity, and determination to prevail regardless of the cost.
From Moscow’s perspective, Zelensky’s openness to peace talks is seen as a sign of weakness and an indication of progress toward the Kremlin’s objectives.
Putin is also banking on his wartime economy to withstand pressure.
While the economy is not “crashing” as Trump suggested in his meeting with Zelensky, Russia’s military spending has indeed strained its budget. The deficit has reached $50 billion, prompting proposals to raise taxes for defense funding.
On Wednesday, Peskov denied significant economic troubles, emphasizing Russia’s resilience. “There is an ongoing war,” Peskov stated, a rare acknowledgment that Russia was engaged in a war rather than a “special military operation,” as the Kremlin typically describes it. “We must win it.”
Ukrainian drone strikes have caused fuel shortages in parts of Russia, yet unemployment remains near historic lows, and incomes have reportedly risen.
Trump’s current perspective may not last. However, even with his changed thinking, the Trump administration has consistently indicated that it does not view the war as critical to America’s national security interests.
Ukrainians, having learned from experience, remain wary of words unaccompanied by concrete action.
During an appearance before the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Zelensky highlighted the failure of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, designed to protect Ukraine’s security in exchange for nuclear disarmament. He cited this as evidence that “international promises can turn into blabbering.”
“That is why today, with Britain, with France and already with more than 30 nations in our coalition of the willing, we are building a new security architecture,” he stated, referring to efforts to secure security guarantees for Ukraine. “We count on the United States of America as a backstop.”
An American backstop, it seems, is currently the most Kyiv can hope for.
When Trump concluded his Truth Social statement outlining his views on the war, he signed off in a manner that suggested he now sees himself as somewhat of a bystander.
“Good luck to all!” Trump wrote.
Maria Varenikova contributed reporting.
Zelensky’s forceful call to arms and his emphasis on weaponry as the sole means of resolving conflict stands in stark contrast to the core principles of the General Assembly and the United Nations as a whole, which traditionally serve as forums for promoting dialogue and diplomacy to end wars.
Zelensky issued a fervent call to arms, asserting that freedom cannot be safeguarded without military strength, even as he criticized international institutions for their inaction. He cautioned that the instruments of war are rapidly evolving. “We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” he declared. He further warned that the threat would only intensify with the rise of artificial intelligence, advocating for immediate regulation of the technology. “A few years from now may be too late,” he added.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that international rules are insufficient, and a nation’s salvation in wartime rests solely on “friends and weapons.” He drew parallels to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, noting that it brings to mind the struggles faced by his own country.
Spain’s King Felipe VI, the first leader to address the General Assembly today, spoke passionately in defense of the United Nations, describing it as “indefensible and irreplaceable.” King Felipe, whose nation has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza and recently imposed a total arms embargo on Israel, highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis and the suffering of Palestinians due to famine, starvation, and forced displacements in Gaza. “These are abhorrent acts that stand in stark contrast to everything that this forum represents,” he asserted. “They offend human conscious and shame the entire international community.”
President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria declared on Tuesday that his country is open to a security agreement with Israel. However, he cautioned that the Israeli government must curb any regional expansion plans and cease its 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 at a gathering hosted by the Middle East Institute think tank in Manhattan. He further emphasized, “Syria will not pose a threat to any country, including Israel. The real risk comes from continued airspace violations and provocations.”
The European Union’s climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, asserted that President Trump’s rejection of climate action has not diminished the ambitions of other nations, including the 27-country bloc he represents.
“We’re doing the exact opposite of what the U.S. is doing, which, by the way, I find concerning and problematic,” he said in a New York City interview. He characterized the Trump administration’s climate policies as “basically checking out.”
Nevertheless, he noted that other major economies are continuing to enhance their targets for reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment will be highlighted in New York City, where the United Nations is hosting a climate summit today, with 118 countries expected to announce their 2035 emissions-reduction targets under the Paris climate accord.
This session may present a degree of awkwardness for the European Union, as its lawmakers have yet to finalize the EU’s 2035 climate targets. China is also anticipated to announce its targets, which will be closely watched given the scale of its current emissions, alongside its rapid adoption of solar, wind, and battery manufacturing and its ambition to transform a significant portion of its economy towards clean-energy technologies.
In a Tuesday speech to the U.N. General Assembly, Trump dedicated a portion of his address to dismissing the threats of climate change, while also criticizing wind turbines, environmentalists, and international allies.
The United States has declared its intent to withdraw from the Paris accord, and therefore is not expected to participate in this week’s U.N. climate summit or announce its own emissions-reduction targets.
Hoekstra downplayed the EU’s delay in issuing its new climate targets, framing it as an inherent aspect of Europe’s democratic process. The European Union has provisionally agreed to reduce its emissions by 66 to 72 percent by 2035, compared to 1990 levels, and Hoekstra confirmed that these terms would be finalized before the COP30 climate conference in Brazil this November.
“That is what we call democracy,” he stated. “And 10 out of 10 times, I would argue that such a system and such an approach is by far the better and the superior” system compared to one that “lacks the ambition that the world needs, and that doesn’t have democratic legitimacy.”
His comments highlighted the delicate geopolitical tightrope European leaders are walking. They find themselves increasingly at odds with Washington, yet simultaneously reliant on U.S. cooperation for both trade and security.
This dynamic helps explain why, under pressure from the White House, the EU is accelerating its ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas. This move could significantly benefit American gas suppliers. The EU has also announced a commitment to purchase $250 billion in oil and gas from the United States annually until the end of President Trump’s term.
Europe is also observing China with increasing caution. Chinese companies currently dominate clean energy technologies, from controlling critical minerals to manufacturing relatively inexpensive electric vehicles. European lawmakers have raised concerns about unfair competition from China.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed his astonishment at President Trump’s changed stance regarding Russia’s war with Ukraine, indicating a belief that their relationship has “a better relation than before.”
His comments came during a Tuesday evening interview with Fox News, after Trump stated in a Truth Social post that he now believes Ukraine, with financial support from NATO and the European Union, can reclaim all territory lost to Russia. This was a striking shift, given that just a month prior, Trump had supported a plan for Ukraine to cede land for peace.
Zelensky also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s apparent unwillingness to pursue peace talks had influenced Trump’s perspective.
“The fact that Putin was lying to President Trump so many times also made a difference between us,” Zelensky told Bret Baier of Fox News. In the interview, the Ukrainian leader cautiously expressed optimism about Trump’s support for Kyiv’s position in the conflict. In his post, Trump asserted that with EU and NATO backing, Ukraine “is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Trump’s remarks during his own speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday evening, expressing satisfaction that Trump believed Ukraine would “not only hold on, but ensure its rights prevail.”
Responding to a question from Baier, Zelensky acknowledged that Trump’s shift on land concessions could contribute to ending the war. “I think so, and God bless,” he said.
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has historically been tense, famously highlighted in February when Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly reprimanded Zelensky during an Oval Office meeting.
However, during their Tuesday meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly, Trump praised the Ukrainian leader as a “brave man.” “We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up,” Trump stated. “It’s pretty amazing, actually.”
Zelensky later told Baier, “I think we didn’t have close relation because we didn’t have — maybe — time.” He added, “It’s good we have often phone calls and meetings,” referring to Trump.
While expressing positivity about Trump’s renewed support, Zelensky reiterated in the interview that Ukraine faces a “very difficult position.” According to DeepState, a group tracking battlefield changes, Russia has captured between 170 and 215 square miles of territory each month since May. Ukrainian commanders consistently report being outmanned and outgunned by Russia.
Catherine Porter contributed reporting.