Working Visit of the President and the First Lady to the United States to Participate in the Events Marking the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly
President of Ukraine Met with the President of Kazakhstan in New York
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York to take part in the events marking the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where he held a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The Head of State thanked Kazakhstan for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the key task now is achieving a just and lasting peace with reliable security guarantees.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again confirmed that Ukraine is ready for a meeting at the level of leaders, as this format is the most effective. However, Russia continues to put forward conditions and does everything possible to prevent genuine negotiations.
The two Presidents discussed in detail the efforts of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other partners around the world to end the war and stop the killings.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assured of Kazakhstan’s full support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of achieving peace as soon as possible.
The parties also spoke about the development of bilateral relations, in particular trade and economic cooperation.
Special attention was given to the interest of Kazakh companies in participating in Ukraine’s recovery, including in the areas of social, housing, and energy infrastructure.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva Discussed Programs to Support Ukraine’s Financial Resilience
In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva.
The Head of State thanked Kristalina Georgieva for her personal attention to Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund for the programs that help strengthen Ukraine’s economy.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is doing everything possible to end the war as soon as possible. However, Russia is taking no steps toward peace. That is why our country is compelled to continue defending itself against Russian aggression and requires financial support from its partners.
During the meeting, they discussed in detail all possible avenues of cooperation, including a new Extended Fund Facility program aimed at supporting Ukraine in the coming years.
Special attention was devoted to the possibilities of using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine – its economy, the strengthening of its defense, and protection against aggression. The Head of State presented specific proposals that could make this possible.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva also discussed Russia’s violations of the airspace of NATO member states, including on September 22 in Copenhagen. The President emphasized that if there is no resolute response from the allies – both states and institutions – to these provocations, Russia will continue its aggressive actions, testing the societies of European and NATO countries.
The parties agreed on continued close cooperation and dialogue between the Government of Ukraine and the IMF.
President and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Discussed the Ways to Achieve Peace and the Further Development of the Church in Ukraine
At Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Head of State thanked His All-Holiness for his support, solidarity, and constant prayers for Ukraine and all Ukrainians. The President also highlighted the efforts His All-Holiness undertakes in advocating for Ukraine’s interests.
During the meeting, they discussed the destructive influence of the Russian church and the importance of joint efforts to counter it.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed His All-Holiness on the protection of religious freedom in Ukraine. He emphasized that there is no religious persecution in our country. At the same time, there must be no ties with the aggressor state. The parties also discussed the further development of the church in Ukraine. The Ecumenical Patriarch assured of Constantinople’s support.
They also touched on the diplomatic situation. His All-Holiness spoke about his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared details of cooperation with the American team.
In particular, they spoke about the ways to achieve a genuine peace. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the strong words of the Ecumenical Patriarch during his address at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 19. His All-Holiness called Russia’s war against Ukraine illegal and condemned the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has blessed the killing of Ukrainians.
The President invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Ukraine, while His All-Holiness, in turn, invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Meeting with the President of Switzerland
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Switzerland Karin Keller‑Sutter.
The Ukrainian leader thanked Switzerland for its support for Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his readiness to meet with the Russian side at the leader level. Karin Keller-Sutter assured that Switzerland is willing to host such a meeting. However, both presidents share the same view: so far, there have been no steps indicating that Russia wants to end the war.
The sides noted that Russia’s violations of NATO member states’ airspace and the increasing number of drone incidents in other countries are not accidental, but a deliberate expansion of aggression.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Karin Keller-Sutter discussed cooperation on a major cultural project and continued partnership on ensuring global food security.
The Head of State invited the Swiss President to visit Ukraine.
In New York, the President of Ukraine Met with the President of the United States
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.
The Head of State thanked President Trump for his personal efforts aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that much of the discussion today focused on the return of Ukrainian children; he also expressed particular gratitude to the U.S. First Lady, Melania Trump, for her attention to this issue. He emphasized his appreciation for the meeting between the First Ladies of Ukraine and the United States, during which the fate of Ukrainian children was discussed.
The President of Ukraine also briefed his counterpart on the battlefield situation and the results of the counteroffensive in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk areas, during which Ukrainian warriors advanced 360 kilometers and captured over a thousand Russian occupiers.
“President Trump clearly understands the situation and is well-informed about all aspects. We highly value his resolve to help end this war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The leaders discussed several promising ideas to advance peace. Ukraine expects them to yield prompt results.
The Presidents focused on implementing the PURL initiative, which is already working effectively, as well as on potential projects within the framework of this initiative.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa Discussed Steps Needed to Achieve Peace
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Ukrainian leader thanked South Africa for its engagement in the peace process.
Cyril Ramaphosa shared details of his recent contacts with the head of Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that, unlike Russia, Ukraine is ready for a leaders-level meeting without any preconditions. The Presidents agreed that this summit should take place in a third country. South Africa, like many other countries around the world, is ready to host such a meeting.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has wanted the war to end from the very first second and is doing everything to achieve this.
The Head of State shared that Russia is currently escalating its aggression, intensifying drone strikes on civilian targets, and provided an update on the current situation at the front.
The leaders discussed events they will both attend in the near future.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pedro Sánchez Discussed the Current Diplomatic Situation
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez.
The Head of State thanked him for supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people from the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression, as well as for Spain’s efforts aimed at achieving real peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed him on the current situation in the peace process. The President emphasized that the Russian leader continues to do everything to drag out the war, rejecting peace initiatives and avoiding a meeting at the level of leaders. The Head of State also informed him about the situation at the front and Russia’s losses.
Pedro Sánchez stressed that in order to achieve peace it is important to preserve unity between Europe and the United States, in particular by continuing cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing.
The parties also discussed the negotiation process regarding Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. The President emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova expect the first negotiating cluster to be opened simultaneously in the near future. The Prime Minister of Spain assured of continued political support.
Meeting Between the Presidents of Ukraine and Syria Took Place in New York, During Which Foreign Ministers Signed a Joint Communiqué on the Restoration of Diplomatic Relations
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of Syria Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa.
The Head of State noted that Ukraine welcomes the restoration of relations with Syria and is ready to support the Syrian people on their path to stability.
During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail promising areas for the development of bilateral relations, including projects in agriculture. The Presidents also touched upon security threats faced by both countries and the importance of countering them.
The Heads of State agreed to build relations between Ukraine and Syria on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and dignity.
In the presence of the Presidents, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani signed a Joint Communiqué on the restoration of diplomatic relations.
President of Ukraine Met with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The Head of State thanked His Majesty for Sweden’s humanitarian support of Ukraine and for the readiness to continue it.
During the meeting, they discussed Sweden’s participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The President noted that Russia continues to strike civilian targets and critical infrastructure.
They also touched on support for the school nutrition reform being implemented in Ukraine under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska. Ukraine counts on Sweden’s contribution to its further implementation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte Discussed Expansion of the PURL Initiative
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The Head of State thanked him for supporting Ukraine and highlighted PURL – a joint NATO-U.S. initiative that enables the purchase of American weapons with the financial support of NATO member states.
During the meeting, they discussed in detail the effectiveness of PURL and its further expansion. In just two months since the initiative was launched, it has already reached $2.1 billion. Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of increasing both contributions and the number of participating countries.
They also addressed the threats stemming from the escalation of Russian aggression. The President stated that violations of NATO member states’ airspace are not mistakes but deliberate actions.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte coordinated their positions and agreed on the next joint steps.
Tightening Sanctions, Use of Frozen Assets, and New Steps in Response to Russian Escalation: Meeting Between the Presidents of Ukraine and France
At Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron.
The leaders discussed Russia’s escalation against European countries and the cases of detected drones in Poland, Romania, and Denmark, as well as fighter jets in Estonia.
They also addressed the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that amid increased Russian shelling ahead of winter, swift action is essential.
The Presidents discussed further tightening sanctions against Russia, in particular targeting its shadow tanker fleet.
The leaders devoted special attention to the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron spoke about concrete instruments that would make this possible.
The President Held a Meeting With a Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation of the U.S. Congress
At Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with a bipartisan delegation of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives: Chris Coons, Mark Kelly, Richard Blumenthal, Joe Wilson, Gregory Meeks, and Young Kim.
“We are deeply grateful for bipartisan support through all these years. We are thankful to the American people and to the President. Yesterday we had a good conversation,” the Head of State noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared that at his meeting with the U.S. President, the focus was on strengthening Ukraine and on how to end the war.
“All of us will have questions, but above all, I think we want to hear how we can help – with financing, with weapons, with intelligence,” Chris Coons said at the start of the meeting.
The Head of State briefed the delegation on the situation at the front and the weapons Ukraine needs for its defense. The top priority remains air defense and a reliable shield over Ukraine.
The President also noted that this year Ukraine will introduce a UN resolution condemning the abduction and deportation of children. Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that our country counts on U.S. support for this endeavor.
“Senator Graham and I introduced legislation that designates Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism if it does not return the abducted children,” Richard Blumenthal said.
The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia, using frozen assets, and further developing cooperation with the United States, particularly in the context of a minerals agreement.
“This is an area I pay a lot of attention to. And in our House Foreign Affairs Committee last week, we secured additional support, including expanding partnerships on mineral security. I think this, again, will be an excellent way for our countries to truly provide this support,” Young Kim stressed.
Members of the delegation emphasized that this meeting once again demonstrates the steadfast bipartisan, bicameral support of the United States for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Areas of Support for Ukraine With Representatives of the American Jewish Committee
At Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the American Jewish Committee.
“Thank you for your support and for your voices speaking up in the United States. This is extremely important. I am grateful for bipartisan support and for the backing of President Trump,” the Head of State said.
The President also wished those present a happy Rosh Hashanah and hoped that this year would bring peace.
The meeting focused on continued support for Ukraine and defending Ukrainian interests at the federal level and in the U.S. Congress.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that bipartisan and bicameral support is crucial for Ukraine, particularly regarding strengthening defense capabilities, sanctions policy, and investment activity.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the American Jewish Committee has focused its efforts on assisting Ukrainians forced to flee their homes, running information campaigns to counter Russian propaganda, and advancing Ukraine’s integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Representatives of Leading American Companies in New York
In New York, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of leading American companies, including the presidents and CEOs of Bank of America, Amazon, Chemours, Citi, CRH, Fairfax, Fluence Energy, GE Vernova, Hogan Lovells, Jacobs, JPMorgan Chase, Lazard, Logistics Plus, Marsh McLennan, Parsons, TechMet, Velta, and Westinghouse.
Several of the companies represented at the meeting have a long history of collaboration with Ukraine, providing equipment and technology as well as making investments.
The Head of State thanked the United States for its support of Ukraine. The President emphasized that the head of Russia does not want to end the war, which makes it crucial to remain strong to compel him to the negotiating table.
“Being strong means, first and foremost, having a strong economy and a favorable business climate. We are very grateful for your investments and for American business. We are proud to have so many American companies present in our country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund has already been launched under the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, with initial contributions amounting to USD 150 million. There is clarity on which projects will move forward. This offers a solid foundation to strengthen investment cooperation.
The Head of State highlighted Ukraine’s strong partnership with the International Monetary Fund and ongoing reforms on the path toward European Union membership.
One of the main focuses of the meeting was preparations for winter amid intensified Russian attacks. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that strengthening air defense is a top priority, and Ukraine received positive signals from the U.S. President and his administration during the September 23 meeting. Our state also has robust drone production and over 300 technology companies.
“I believe this represents a new direction for our business and economy in the future. Around 30 major companies are willing to become partners. And I think this year we will open exports of our new technologies only to countries we can rely on – that is, not to enemies or those closely linked with them,” the Head of State said.
According to the President, Ukraine will establish export platforms in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and has already received a corresponding proposal from one country in Africa.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on all potential for greater American investment in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that preparations are underway for Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko’s visit to the United States for more focused talks with businesses, institutions, and companies.
We Are Returning Home with an Important Shift in President Trump’s Signals on Support for Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy During a Meeting with the Ukrainian Community in the United States
At the Ukrainian Institute of America, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with representatives of the Ukrainian community in the United States.
The meeting, in line with the institute’s tradition, began with a moment of silence in memory of all those who have been killed as a result of Russian aggression while defending Ukraine and its independence.
“I want to thank you for this tradition. We have no right to forget all those people who sacrificed themselves, who undoubtedly sacrificed the most precious thing – their lives – so that Ukraine would not simply live, but endure and prevail,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President stressed how important it is to make Ukraine’s voice heard and to keep Ukraine in focus even thousands of kilometers away.
“I thank you for the fact that Ukraine is heard – we see and hear it. We see respect for Ukraine, we see flags on the streets of the United States of America and other countries. But above all, on the streets of the country that is crucial for us today in its strategic assistance to endure in this war and to win the war for Ukraine’s independence,” the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during this visit to the United States, the Ukrainian team held 34 events, including important talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Undoubtedly, the shift in his signals regarding support for Ukraine is important. And we spoke about many things. First and foremost, this is political support for Ukraine, strategic support for Ukraine – what will be in the future. But equally important is the tactical support – what is needed now, to endure. It is important that we are returning home with this,” the President of Ukraine said.
He spoke about joint efforts with U.S. and European partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including secondary sanctions.
“We support the proposals of the United States of America to maximize the blocking of the use of the Russian Federation’s energy resources by other, third countries,” the Head of State noted.
The President also shared details of advancing cooperation with the United States under various agreements, including on minerals, drones, and arms procurement.
Additionally, Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Metropolitan Borys (Gudziak) with the Order of Merit, I class.
https://www.president.gov.ua/news/