Speaking ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders, Zelenskyy said the upcoming days would be a “week of diplomacy” for Ukraine, as the country seeks to shore up international alliances, secure military and economic aid, and rally support for its ongoing resistance against Russian aggression.

“This is not just diplomacy for diplomacy’s sake,” Zelenskyy said in a video statement. “It’s about real action, unity, and results. The world must stand with Ukraine.”

A High-Stakes Meeting Between Trump and Zelenskyy

The upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump is expected to draw significant attention, as it comes at a pivotal time for both leaders.

• For Zelenskyy, the stakes are high: international aid for Ukraine’s war effort has come under increasing scrutiny, especially from more isolationist elements within the U.S. political sphere.

While details of the agenda remain under wraps, sources close to both delegations say the two leaders are likely to discuss:

• Continued U.S. military support to Ukraine

• Peace negotiations and ceasefire prospects

• Post-war reconstruction and economic cooperation

• Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO and the EU

Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Blitz at the UN

Zelenskyy’s visit to New York is part of a broader diplomatic campaign, which includes nearly two dozen bilateral meetings, a speech before the UN General Assembly, and expected side talks with EU leaders, Latin American nations, and key players from Africa and Asia.

His goals include:

• Reinforcing global solidarity against Russian aggression

• Securing long-term security guarantees

• Promoting a Ukrainian-led peace framework

• Attracting support for post-war investment and reconstruction

Global Reactions and Expectations

While many Western nations continue to stand firmly with Ukraine, fatigue is growing in some regions of the world, particularly in the Global South, where leaders have called for more focus on humanitarian aid, diplomacy, and global economic equity.

Analysts say Zelenskyy’s strategy is to ensure Ukraine remains front and center on the world stage, even as other global crises  from inflation and climate change to tensions in the Indo-Pacific  dominate headlines.

“Zelenskyy knows the clock is ticking,” said a European diplomat. “The longer the war drags on, the harder it becomes to maintain unity and focus.”

The department did not disclose the names of those affected, and it remains unclear whether Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—who is expected to address the assembly in late September—is among those impacted.

Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said they are currently evaluating the implications of the decision and how it may affect their delegation. President Abbas’ office has not yet commented on the matter.

These visa actions come on the heels of U.S. sanctions imposed in July on officials from both the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. Meanwhile, several Western nations have recently moved closer to formally recognising Palestinian statehood, in an attempt to put increased diplomatic pressure on Israel.

The State Department explained that the decision aligns with U.S. national security priorities and is intended to hold the PA and PLO accountable for what it describes as failures to honour prior commitments and for actions believed to hinder peace efforts.

Palestinian officials have rejected the claim that they are obstructing peace, asserting instead that their position remains committed to a negotiated resolution.

While the United States is generally obligated to allow international diplomats entry to attend UN meetings under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, it maintains the right to deny entry on grounds related to security, counterterrorism, or broader foreign policy interests.

The U.S. clarified that the Palestinian mission to the UN in New York would not be affected by the visa restrictions but did not provide further details.

Palestinians continue to advocate for a sovereign state encompassing the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Many blame the collapse of peace prospects on Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank and widespread destruction in Gaza during the current conflict—claims Israel firmly denies.

In recent weeks, countries including Canada, the UK, Australia, and France have either recognised or expressed support for recognising a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN meetings. These moves have increased diplomatic pressure amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.