Zelensky Holds Series of Bilateral Meetings on UNGA Sidelines

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held multiple high-level meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, to discuss security, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic initiatives with world leaders.

France: Strengthening Air Defenses and Sanctions

Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron at Ukraine’s mission to the UN. The leaders discussed Russian escalation against European countries, including drone incidents in Poland, Romania, and Denmark, and fighter jet activity over Estonia.

“We also focused on using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and further strengthening sanctions against Russia – including targeting its shadow tanker fleet,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram following the meeting. 

NATO: Expanding Military Support

Zelensky met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, thanking him for support and the PURL initiative, a joint NATO-US program that helps finance American weapons for transfer to Ukraine.

The leaders discussed expanding PURL, which has already raised $2.1 billion, and coordinated responses to Russian aggression. Zelensky said, “Violations of NATO member countries’ airspace are not mistakes, but deliberate actions by Russia.”

Sweden: Humanitarian Support and Reconstruction

Zelensky met King Carl Gustaf of Sweden to thank him for his country’s humanitarian support and to discuss a role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. They also discussed backing a school meal reform program under the patronage of Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

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Syria: Restoring Diplomatic Relations

Zelensky met Syria’s acting President Ahmed al-Sharaa during which they discussed the restoration of diplomatic relations and explored areas of potential bilateral cooperation, including agriculture projects.

They also discussed security threats to both countries and agreed to rebuild relations based on mutual respect, trust, and dignity.

Ukraine and Syria signed a joint communiqué officially restoring diplomatic ties, with foreign ministers Andriy Sybyha and Assad al-Shaibani signing the document.

Spain: Peace Process and EU Accession

Zelensky met Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, thanking Spain for support since Russia’s full-scale invasion and discussing the stalled peace process. They also discussed Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, with Spain pledging continued political support.

“We expect the simultaneous opening of the first negotiation cluster soon, together with Moldova. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his readiness to continue political support,” Zelensky said on Telegram following the meeting. 

Brazil: Could leading BRICS member support peace moves

Zelensky met President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva “to explore paths toward real peace.” Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a leaders-level meeting, highlighting Russia’s lack of willingness and need for international pressure. 

“We want peace more than anyone else. I am ready for a leaders-level meeting with the Russian side, but Russia is not showing readiness. Strong international pressure is needed to unblock the path to dialogue,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Panama: Sanctions and Human Rights

Zelensky met President José Raúl Mulino to discuss sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet and human rights abuses, particularly the deportation of Ukrainian children.

Zelensky said Ukraine is preparing a UN resolution condemning these acts and invited Panama to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

“I thank Panama for supporting all pro-Ukrainian resolutions at the UN, our people, and especially children. We appreciate Panama’s steps to limit the capabilities of Russia’s shadow fleet,” Zelensky said on Telegram. 

Angola: Humanitarian and Agricultural Partnerships

Zelensky met President João Lourenço to deepen bilateral ties and promote the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian program. They discussed agriculture and technology partnerships, with Angola expressing interest in collaborative projects.

“I spoke about our humanitarian program ‘Grain from Ukraine,’ through which we, together with partners, provide food to countries in need. We also discussed partnerships in agriculture and technology,” Zelensky shared on social media.

South Africa: Peace Mediation and Security Updates

Zelensky wrote that he met President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss South Africa’s involvement in the peace process and the possibility of a leaders-level meeting in a third country. He also provided updates on Russian drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.