Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at UN Amidst Renewed Focus on Ukraine War
NEW YORK – Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a brief meeting Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, a highly anticipated encounter occurring as the conflict in Ukraine continues and as debate intensifies over continued U.S. support. The meeting took place against a backdrop of escalating tensions, including recent reported airspace violations and ongoing strikes within Ukraine.
The encounter marks a significant moment given Trump’s past withholding of military aid to Ukraine and his stated views on the war, contrasted with Zelenskyy’s ongoing efforts to secure international backing.President Joe Biden, speaking earlier, reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s ability to “hold the course” and ultimately prevail, a sentiment echoed by french President Emmanuel Macron.
During a press conference, Trump indicated he would support NATO countries choosing to shoot down Russian planes intruding on their airspace, but stipulated that direct U.S. involvement would be contingent on specific circumstances. This position comes as NATO allies prepare to hold formal consultations at Estonia’s request following reported incursions of Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace last week.
The meeting occurred as the war, which began on February 24, 2022, continues to exact a heavy toll. russia reported intercepting three dozen Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, while Ukraine reported at least two civilian deaths due to Russian missile and drone strikes. A recent report from the U.N.Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights indicates a 40% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties in the frist eight months of 2024 compared to the previous year, linked to escalated Russian strikes.
Further highlighting the human cost of the conflict,a U.N. Human Rights office report released Tuesday detailed allegations of widespread and systematic torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence against Ukrainian civilian detainees held by Russian authorities in occupied territories.
