Trump faces busy UN week as world leaders gather in New York

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is preparing for a busy two-day visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, with a schedule that includes bilateral talks with several prominent political leaders.

Trump is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday morning and is also due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in New York. Zelenskiy said on Sunday that the two leaders had agreed to meet during the UN gathering.

The president is also scheduled to hold his first face-to-face meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is among the other political figures expected to meet with Trump during his visit.

Nearly 130 heads of state are gathering in New York for the annual UN meeting, which comes as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to dominate international diplomacy. The organisation is also facing questions over its role and finances as the Trump administration reduces US contributions and participation in several UN bodies.

Trump is expected to reach New York on Monday afternoon and attend political events at Trump Tower later that evening. On Tuesday, he will deliver his address to the General Assembly.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Trump would use his speech to discuss how his administration has approached major international challenges. He is also expected to stress the US position that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.

Iran conflict looms over meetings

The continuing US-Israeli war with Iran is expected to feature prominently in Trump’s discussions in New York.

The war, which began in February, has continued for months and has contributed to wider instability across the region. Recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement have also increased concerns over shipping and energy supplies.

Trump is expected to discuss the situation with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He will also host a reception for the group, where he is due to meet Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez in person for the first time.

The possibility of renewed diplomacy with Tehran could also feature during the UN gathering. Trump has said he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to be in New York for the assembly.

Meeting with New York mayor

Trump is also scheduled to meet New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence.

The mayor’s office said the discussion would address matters affecting New York City and its residents.

Trump and Mamdani have previously disagreed over a range of political and policy issues. However, their earlier meetings have taken place in a cordial setting, with Mamdani describing one previous encounter as productive.

A White House official also confirmed that Trump is scheduled to meet with the mayor.

Ukraine also on agenda

Trump’s expected meeting with Zelenskiy comes as the Ukrainian president seeks continued diplomatic engagement over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy said the two presidents agreed to meet in New York and described the talks as potentially significant for efforts to advance diplomacy. He said discussions could include de-escalation, security, energy, food supplies and the protection of civilians.

Ukraine is expected to remain a major issue at this year’s UN gathering, with Zelenskiy scheduled to address the General Assembly as the war continues into its fifth year.

Zelenskiy meeting on Tuesday

Also on Trump’s agenda is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said in a social media post on Sunday that he and Trump agreed to meet in New York. The Ukrainian leader did not say when the meeting would take place, but a person familiar with the matter said it is expected to happen on Tuesday.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the possible Zelenskiy meeting.

On Tuesday, Trump is set for separate bilateral meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham — the first in-person meeting of the two leaders — and with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Trump also will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi at some point during the UN gathering, Iraqi outlets reported last week.