US President Donald Trump is gearing up for a demanding two-day visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where his schedule features multiple bilateral meetings with influential political figures. He is slated to deliver a speech to the General Assembly on Tuesday morning and is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the event. Zelenskiy confirmed on Sunday that the two leaders had agreed to hold talks in New York.
In a significant development, Trump will have his first face-to-face meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Additionally, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is among the other political leaders expected to engage with the US president during his stay.
Nearly 130 heads of state have convened in New York for the annual UN meeting, which is taking place amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine that continue to dominate global diplomatic discussions. Meanwhile, the UN faces scrutiny over its role and financial challenges as the Trump administration has scaled back US contributions and participation in several UN agencies.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in New York on Monday afternoon, followed by attendance at political events at Trump Tower that evening. His address to the General Assembly is planned for Tuesday.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz indicated that Trump’s speech will highlight his administration’s approach to major international issues. Notably, the president is expected to emphasize the US stance that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran is anticipated to be a central topic during Trump’s discussions in New York. The conflict, which began in February, has persisted for several months, contributing to broader regional instability. Recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement have heightened concerns over maritime security and energy supply routes.
Trump is expected to engage with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and will host a reception for the group. During this event, he is also set to meet Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez for the first time in person.
There is potential for renewed diplomatic efforts with Tehran during the UN gathering. Trump has expressed openness to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is anticipated to attend the assembly in New York.
On Monday, Trump is also scheduled to meet with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence. The mayor’s office stated that their discussion will focus on issues impacting New York City and its residents. Despite past political and policy disagreements, previous meetings between Trump and Mamdani have been described as cordial and productive.
Trump’s meeting with Zelenskiy comes as the Ukrainian president seeks sustained diplomatic engagement concerning Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskiy described their upcoming talks as potentially significant for advancing diplomacy, with topics likely to include de-escalation, security, energy, food supplies, and civilian protection. Ukraine remains a key focus at this year’s UN Assembly, with Zelenskiy also scheduled to address the forum as the conflict enters its fifth year.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy is expected to take place on Tuesday, though the exact timing has not been officially confirmed. On the same day, Trump will hold separate bilateral meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham—their first in-person encounter—and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Additionally, Trump is reported to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi at some point during the UN gathering, further underscoring the event’s diplomatic intensity.
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