Macron and Zelenskyy Hold Talks in New York on UN Assembly Sidelines

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in New York City on Tuesday, holding talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Zelenskyy arrived first at the meeting venue, speaking briefly with members of the media while he waited for the French president. Macron then arrived, and the two leaders greeted each other and posed for photographs before sitting down together.

The meeting took place as heads of state and government from around the world converge on the United Nations this week for the annual high-level gathering. The session unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing wars and deep international divisions.

Leaders attending the assembly are confronting a range of pressing concerns, including the potential risks posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, the effects of climate shocks, and rising prices that are straining households in many parts of the world.

The agenda is also expected to be dominated by major conflicts, including those in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo and Myanmar. A central question hanging over the gathering is whether the assembled leaders can take meaningful steps toward ending those wars.