Overview

• The White House confirmed a sideline meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Kyiv seeking security guarantees it describes as a reliable shield.
• The UN Security Council meets on Ukraine today at Estonia’s request after three Russian jets violated its airspace, alongside NATO Article 4 consultations.
• UN officials report only 129 of 193 members have paid into the $3.7 billion regular budget, prompting staff cuts and a suspension of aid to more than 60 million people.
• Several countries, including France, announced recognition of a Palestinian state during the UN gatherings, intensifying focus on the Gaza conflict.
• Trump’s speech is expected to showcase an “America First” approach and criticism of global institutions, following US funding cuts and vacancies at UN bodies.