On September 23, New York’s 80th United Nations General Assembly attracted global attention. Among attendees were Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, and other world leaders. Upon arrival, Donald Trump faced technical glitches with both the escalator and his teleprompter during his speech. Trump's address lasted nearly an hour instead of the allotted 15 minutes, with journalist interest especially high during his discussion of possible tariffs on Russia should it not end the war. Trump emphasized that such measures should be supported by European countries as well.
Earlier, Marco Rubio made headlines by suggesting Ukraine should agree to certain arrangements regarding war settlement, without specifying details—implying a potential withdrawal from Donbas—a stance strongly opposed by Zelensky. Rubio also stated that the US may, at some point, stop actively promoting a settlement in Ukraine.
That day, a further unusual incident occurred: French President Emmanuel Macron’s motorcade was halted so Trump’s could pass, delaying the French leader’s arrival.
In his speech, Trump called for US and European unity in applying tariffs against Russia if Moscow refuses negotiations. He criticized European energy policy, accused China and India of sponsoring the war via Russian oil purchases, criticized green energy and climate policies, affirmed NATO's need to raise defense spending, and called for freedom of speech and religion protection.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Crute stated decisions on airspace violations would be based on real-time intelligence and threat assessment. Estonia’s defense minister offered to host UK nuclear-capable jets. Approaches among NATO allies towards Russian provocations differ.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced border crossings with Belarus would reopen; 130+ Chinese trains with goods were stranded due to closures. Moldova remains tense amid Russian influence and EU concerns over possible election interference.
Ukraine’s parliamentary budget committee head Roksolana Pidlasa warned of possible military funding shortfalls in 2025–2026. Politico reported growing Western and parliamentary concern at Zelensky’s power centralization and internal political pressure on opposition in Ukraine.
