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Zelenskyy and Trump Confront Russia at UN: Here Are the Key Takeaways
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump delivered powerful calls for stronger action against Russia's ongoing aggression at the UN General Assembly on September 23—here’s what you need to know.
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At the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called attention to the fading global focus on the war in Ukraine. He criticized the United Nations' declining influence in addressing global conflicts and urged the international community to renew its commitment to Ukraine’s struggle.
“The organization has less influence, and too often there is a lack of real decisions on fundamental issues. This is exactly what we need to speak about today: the tools that, sadly, are not working now. But they will work, I'm sure. They will work if you are active, if we are active, because the main tool is in your hands,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Russia’s use of its veto power at the UN has stalled meaningful resolutions and prevented peace. The President urged the UN Security Council to act decisively, stressing that international institutions must back their promises with real power.
Proposal for joint air defense system
Zelenskyy proposed the creation of a joint air defense system to counter Russian missile and drone strikes. He argued that if Russia lost control of the skies, it would be unable to sustain its ground operations, forcing it to negotiate for peace.
“Here is one example of how strength can stop war: if we could strengthen our skills with a joint system to shut down the skies, with a short system to shut down Russian missiles and drones, it would force Russia to stop its attack from the sky because everything could be shut down,” Zelenskyy said.
China’s role in ending the war
In his address, Zelenskyy pointed out China’s significant role in ending the war, urging the country to use its influence over Russia. He noted that while China has the power to compel Moscow to halt its aggression, it has remained silent and distant, undermining peace efforts.
“Without China, Putin’s Russia is nothing. Yet too often, China stays silent and distant instead of acting for peace,” he added.
Trump’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity
US President Donald Trump expressed strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, stating that with NATO and EU assistance, Ukraine could reclaim its lost territories.
“After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not?” Trump wrote.
"He's a brave man, and he's putting up one hell of a fight." - @POTUS with President @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/WHjpeXUqvc
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 23, 2025
Critique of Russia’s war efforts
Trump described Russia’s war efforts as “aimless” and likened them to a “paper tiger.” He argued that Russia’s military power was overstated, and its failure to achieve its objectives was a clear sign of weakness.
“Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like ‘a paper tiger,’” Trump wrote.
Call for stronger NATO action
Trump called on NATO to take a tougher stance against Russia, specifically urging NATO members to shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace, following recent incidents in Eastern Europe.
BREAKING: Trump says that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if the aircraft enters their airspace. pic.twitter.com/EKynMymtYP
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 23, 2025
Sanctions on Russian energy
Trump criticized European nations for continuing to purchase Russian energy, suggesting that stronger sanctions were necessary to isolate Russia further and force it into negotiations.
“In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs,” he said, adding that European allies would “have to join” the measures for them to be effective.
Global call for action
The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump highlighted their shared goal of ending the war through diplomacy, backed by military and economic pressure on Russia. Both leaders stressed the need for comprehensive security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure Russia can never again threaten its sovereignty.
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