Efforts underway for Zelenskyy-Trump meeting at UN next week

Efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the upcoming 81st UN General Assembly in New York next week. Ukrainian and US diplomatic teams are actively working on this, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman. President Trump is reportedly pushing for a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen a sharp increase in civilian casualties. Recent UN data indicates a significant rise in civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine during the first half of 2026. The conflict, alongside the Iran conflict, is also contributing to rising diesel prices. This potential meeting follows a previous encounter between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House in July.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, marking his first appearance at the event as prime minister. During this significant foreign policy engagement, he is expected to meet Donald Trump for the first time in person. A key focus of Burnham's trip will be Ukraine, where he aims to garner increased international support and advocate for enhanced air defense. The assembly will also provide a platform to discuss other global issues, including the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. While Downing Street has confirmed Burnham's attendance, specific bilateral meetings, including one with Trump, have not been officially confirmed due to the assembly's dynamic nature.