Zelenskyi arrives in US, discusses halting Ukraine-Russia energy strikes with Macron
Photo source: Office of the President
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and a diplomatic delegation arrived in New York to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and hold a series of bilateral meetings, including talks with US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyi announced the arrival on social media, while Ukrinform also reported the news, according to Rubryka.
"The First Lady and I arrived in New York with our diplomatic team for the 81st UN General Assembly session. Around 20 meetings are planned," the president wrote on social media.
At the UN General Assembly, the Ukrainian leader met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the residence of France's Permanent Representative to the UN.
Photo source: Social media / Emmanuel Macron
Prior to meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Macron held talks with US President Donald Trump. Following those discussions, the French leader stated that he raised two key issues:
- The urgent need to provide Kyiv with interceptor missiles for air defense systems
- A proposed moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia.
"We will join forces to achieve a moratorium on strikes against Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure. The civilian population must be protected, and we must start serious negotiations on the conditions for peace between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible," Macron posted on X.
The French leader added that he intended to raise this topic during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
Speaking with reporters after meeting Trump, Macron described the talks with the US President as "very good" and "very constructive."
"We discussed the issue of Ukraine and Russia at length, emphasizing the need to help our Ukrainian friends faster and more effectively with interceptor missiles, as this is critical for defense," Macron said.
Without disclosing details, the French president noted that they also discussed options to stop strikes on the energy sector.
Macron stressed that supporting and protecting Ukraine's energy system remains a primary priority, as the war continues to undermine stability and security across Europe.
The French president also expressed hope that world leaders gathered for the annual UN General Assembly session would achieve tangible progress in protecting civilians and infrastructure.
Before his talks with the French leader, Zelenskyi met with US lawmakers, thanking them for passing legislation to impose sanctions on Russia.
Backgrouns
As part of his New York visit, the Ukrainian president will honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the morning, followed by a scheduled meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Zelenskyi will then attend the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly session before meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Next on the schedule is a meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
Zelenskyi will then meet with his American counterpart, US President Donald Trump.
Following his meeting with Trump, talks are scheduled with the Prime Ministers of Japan and the United Kingdom.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi and First Lady Olena Zelenska will conclude their visit by attending an official reception hosted by the Trumps for heads of state participating in the 81st UN General Assembly session.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi spoke with US President Donald Trump, during which both sides agreed to hold a personal meeting in New York.
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