Zelenskyy Urges Arms, Meets Patriarch and Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in New York during the UN General Assembly to discuss religious freedom, the Russian Orthodox Church’s role in justifying Russia’s aggression, and reciprocal invitations. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Zelenskyy said international institutions have been too weak to stop wars, noting the UN Security Council veto has blocked binding measures. He warned that President Vladimir Putin seeks to expand the war beyond Ukraine and pointed to alleged airspace violations and Russian drones flying across Europe. Zelenskyy said the conflict has unleashed a destructive arms race driven by drones and artificial intelligence and urged partners to provide “friends and weapons,” announcing Ukraine would open its weapons exports to allies. After a public meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed support for Ukraine retaking its territory and signaled possible additional U.S. pressure if Europe joins, Zelenskyy pressed for broader international action despite diplomatic obstacles.