UNGA80 — Day 4 Recap
ONEST Special Coverage from the United Nations Headquarters and Beyond.
ONEST CONVERSATIONS
I sat down with Dr. Yuh-Jye Lee, Senior Advisor to Taiwan’s National Security Council, at the Concordia Summit in New York. We spoke about lessons from Ukraine, Taiwan’s role in AI and semiconductors, and what the West often misunderstands about the island’s global position.
MAJOR HEADLINES
Frozen Assets for Ukraine & Macron’s Call for Unity
On Wednesday, leaders put a spotlight on how to repurpose frozen Russian assets to directly benefit Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Emmanuel Macron discussed concrete financial instruments that would make this feasible, signaling a shift from broad commitments toward actionable mechanisms. The message: Europe must not only stand with Ukraine symbolically but also deliver material support by using the vast pool of immobilized Russian funds.
Later in the evening, at the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Awards in New York, President Macron addressed a high-profile audience that included Trump administration figures such as Scott Bessent and Michael Waltz. His unscripted remarks carried urgency. Macron urged attendees to embrace democratic values, continue to stand with Ukraine in its existential fight, care about our climate and not allow rising nationalism to push nations toward isolationism.
NATO, Russia, and Airspace Confrontations
Russia’s ambassador to France warned: “There will be war between NATO and Russia if a Russian aircraft is shot down.”
That message underscores NATO’s dilemma: Russian aircraft can fly around allied territory for 12 minutes, skim oil rigs below safe distances, or pass German frigates at 100 meters — while NATO largely watches. Yet, as a reminder, Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi in just 17 seconds a decade ago.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte backed President Trump’s call to respond firmly:
“I support Trump’s call to shoot down Russian planes that violate NATO airspace.”
Furthermore, Rutte dismissed Moscow’s veteran foreign minister:
“Lavrov has been Russia’s foreign minister since the birth of Jesus Christ, and nothing useful has ever come from his mouth. Let’s not focus too much on him.”
He assured allies: “The supply of American weapons to Ukraine, financed by Washington’s allies, will continue uninterrupted.”
Cyber and Drone Attacks in Europe
Berlin airport suffered a cyberattack on Thursday.
Just last night, four airports in Denmark were shut down due to drone sightings.
President Macron responded after meeting Danish PM Mette Frederiksen:
“I expressed to her France’s full solidarity with Denmark following the repeated intrusions by unidentified drones affecting the operations of Copenhagen Airport. France is ready to provide its support to Denmark to assess the situation and contribute to the security of Danish airspace.”
NORAD Intercepts and Eastern Flank Defense
NORAD scrambled jets to intercept four Russian military planes off Alaska.
Poland is preparing to allow its military to destroy Russian targets in Ukrainian airspace without prior NATO/EU approval.
Romania has given mission commanders the authority to down any military aircraft entering Romanian airspace. Civilian aircraft decisions will remain with the defense minister.
Turkey deployed an advanced AWACS radar plane to Lithuania, signaling bolstered Baltic defenses.
Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson reaffirmed: “Sweden has the right to defend its airspace, using force if necessary, and it will do so.”
Von der Leyen on NATO’s Red Lines
In a conversation with Christiane Amanpour, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was pressed about NATO’s delayed responses:
[Q]: “Turkey did it ten years ago, and didn’t suffer consequences necessarily… Is it time now to punch back in the nose?”
[Ursula von der Leyen]: “Russia is testing on all fields… That’s a hybrid war Russia has led for many, many years against democracies. We fight back on all fields. As I said, it’s a decision of NATO. But I would be very clear, you don’t touch our territory.”
Escalation Beyond Airspace
Germany’s Defense Minister revealed two Russian surveillance satellites are “pursuing” German military satellites. He called for developing offensive space capabilities as a deterrent.
Polish PM Donald Tusk relayed Trump’s remark: “Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, could reclaim its entire territory.” Tusk added: “Behind this surprising optimism lies a promise of reduced U.S. involvement and a shift of responsibility for ending the war to Europe. Better truth than illusions.”
Secretary of the Treasury Bessent bluntly told Europeans: “As I told my European counterparts about two weeks ago, ‘All I hear from you is that Putin wants to march into Warsaw. The one thing I’m sure of is that Putin isn’t marching into Boston.”
Propaganda and Indoctrination in Russia
In one Russian kindergarten, children were forced to stage a scene where a mother receives a notification that her son has died on the battlefield. This chilling exercise shows how Russia instills a war mindset from the earliest age.
Elections and Security in Eastern Europe
Moldova heads to elections this weekend. Latest polls show President Maia Sandu’s pro-EU party at 24.9%, narrowly ahead of the Kremlin-aligned Patriotic Bloc at 24.7%. Two other pro-Russian parties are expected to cross the 5% threshold. Meanwhile, Russia reportedly spent $100 million on Moldova’s election propaganda campaign alone.
Fugitive mercenary Horatiu Potra — who attempted to overthrow Romania’s government — was arrested in Dubai with his son. Both face up to 25 years in prison upon extradition.
In Belarus, Lukashenko claimed he delivered “messages from the Americans” to Putin, vowing to reveal details soon.
Meanwhile, the Polish Embassy urged citizens to leave Belarus immediately due to “risk of unforeseen circumstances.”
Zelenskyy on His Future
In an interview with Axios, President Zelenskyy said he does not plan to remain in power after peace:
“I really wanted to be with my country during such a difficult period and to help it. So my goal is to end the war, not to continue running for office.”
China–Gates Foundation Meeting
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Bill Gates in New York, highlighting achievements in healthcare and China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Gates Foundation. The goal: expand exchanges between China and the U.S. for more “practical results.”
QUICK NATIONAL NEWS
Trump Orders Aggressive Use of Death Penalty
President Trump issued a memorandum directing Attorney General Pam Bondi and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to seek the death penalty in all eligible cases. The order builds on Executive Order 14164 (restoring federal capital punishment) and follows Trump’s August crime emergency declaration in Washington, D.C.
The directive requires prosecutors to pursue federal jurisdiction “to the maximum degree practicable” in cases where capital punishment is available. The White House framed the move as part of a broader crackdown on violent crime in the capital, noting crime rates have fallen “dramatically in recent weeks.”
Climate Policy Clash at Times Conference
At a Times conference, speakers addressed Trump’s climate stance. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the president’s dismissive comments about climate change at the U.N. an “abomination.” Separately, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged other countries to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
Military Moves Raise Eyebrows
Secretary Hegseth abruptly recalled hundreds of generals and admirals without explanation, WaPo reports. The move has stirred anxiety within the military, seen as a potential “showdown” in an administration that prizes loyalty over expertise.
Legislation has been filed in Congress to put Charlie Kirk on U.S. coinage.
The Utah criminal defense attorney appointed to represent Kirk’s alleged assassin previously defended a fugitive polygamous sect leader and served as a top public defender in Salt Lake City and San Diego.
Trade, Tariffs, and Pharma
Trump announced new tariffs, including 100% duties on branded or patented pharmaceuticals (effective October 1 unless companies are building plants in the U.S.) and 25% tariffs on heavy-duty trucks.
He said tariff revenues would support farmers: “We’re going to take some of that tariff money and give it to our farmers.”
U.S. Customs is investigating whether Indian solar company Waaree Energies circumvented tariffs on Chinese-made panels by mislabeling them as Indian-made.
Financial & Regulatory Battles
The SEC Chair said he has yet to review a White House call for mass layoffs at federal agencies but emphasized alignment with Trump’s priorities.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook urged the Supreme Court to block Trump’s attempt to fire her, warning it would “destroy the central bank’s independence.”
Eighteen former Fed, Treasury, and top economic officials (from both parties) also urged the Court to reject Trump’s petition.
Free Speech, Migration & TikTok
The Trump administration hosted a UNGA side event on “free speech,” aligning with far-right European politicians.
Trump signed an executive order on TikTok’s U.S. operations, declaring the sale plan meets national security requirements under a 2024 law.
Trump administration officials also pushed for a global rollback of asylum protections, aiming to reshape post–WWII humanitarian frameworks.
Middle East and Foreign Policy
DOJ leaders are pressing for swift charges against former National Security Adviser John Bolton, though some prosecutors remain hesitant.
The DOJ is also under pressure to investigate George Soros’s Open Society Foundations, which called the move a “politically motivated attack.”
Cyber & Security Alerts
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive after hackers exploited a vulnerability in Cisco devices, giving agencies just over a day to scan systems and apply patches.
Agriculture & Healthcare
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA will develop a plan to revitalize the U.S. beef herd, but without direct payments to producers.
USDA and DOJ antitrust officials signed a memorandum to scrutinize the rising costs of farm inputs like fertilizer and seeds.
HHS and CMS submitted details of a drug pricing pilot to the White House for review.
Eli Lilly announced FDA approval of a new treatment for advanced breast cancer in previously treated adult patients.
QUICK GLOBAL NEWS
Netanyahu’s Flight Detour Amid ICC Warrant
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took an unusual route from Tel Aviv to New York on Thursday, avoiding most European airspace on his way to the United Nations General Assembly.
According to FlightRadar24 records, the prime minister’s government jet briefly crossed Greece and Italy before veering over the Mediterranean, passing the Strait of Gibraltar, and then flying across the Atlantic — a detour that added over two hours to the trip.
In the past, Netanyahu’s flights to the U.S. typically passed over Greece, Italy, and across France. But all three countries are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu has dismissed the warrant as “absurd and false.”
Denmark Apologizes to Greenlandic Women
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a formal apology to Greenlandic Indigenous women and girls who were subjected to forced contraception by Danish health authorities in the 1960s and beyond.
“Dear women, dear families, and dear Greenland. Today, there is only one right thing to say. Sorry, sorry for the wrongs committed against you because you were Greenlandic. Sorry for what was taken from you. And for the pain it caused, on behalf of Denmark. Sorry,” Frederiksen said at an emotional ceremony attended by some of the victims.
Cases involved Inuit women being fitted with IUDs or given hormonal birth control injections without consent. The policy was reportedly aimed at limiting population growth in Greenland during a period of rapid demographic change, as living standards and healthcare improved.
Frederiksen acknowledged the need to confront this history: “I don’t believe we can achieve the more equal and proper relationship that many of us desire unless we dare opening even the darkest chapters.”
Last month, both Denmark and Greenland published apologies for their roles in the mistreatment.
Iraq–Kurdistan Oil Pipeline Agreement
The U.S. State Department welcomed the announcement that the Government of Iraq reached agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and international companies to reopen the Iraq–Türkiye pipeline — a deal facilitated by Washington.
“We commend the decisive efforts of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani and senior officials of the Government of Iraq, as well as KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and senior KRG officials, to make this progress possible.”
The deal is expected to strengthen U.S.–Iraq economic ties, create a more stable investment environment for American companies, enhance regional energy security, and reinforce Iraq’s sovereignty.
Trump’s Energy Remark on Hungary
President Trump shared: “Hungary is landlocked, they can’t buy oil from anyone but Russia.”
That is not accurate.
First Ladies Meet in New York
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, met with U.S. First Lady Melania Trump in New York. Their discussion focused on protecting children amid Russia’s war.
Zelenska emphasized:
“I believe in the effectiveness of soft power, in humanity, empathy, and the ability to change reality for the better.”
Brazil–U.S. Connection
A co-owner of Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS privately met with Trump about three weeks before the president extended a surprise olive branch to Brazil’s president during his U.N. speech. Reuters confirmed the encounter with three sources.
U.S. Defense & Security Moves
The Pentagon approved the potential sale of AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM missiles to Germany for $1.23 billion.
The United States announced sanctions on a network accused of funding North Korea’s weapons programs, including the supply of bombs and guidance kits to Myanmar’s military.
Elon Musk’s xAI secured a deal with the GSA to provide its Grok chatbot across federal agencies.
Middle East & Asia
An Israeli airstrike killed nearly two dozen Palestinians in Gaza City. Israel said its target was two Hamas figures.
Deadly protests erupted in Ladakh, India, as demonstrators demanded statehood for the Himalayan region.
U.S. Health & Policy
The U.S. objected to a UN political declaration on non-communicable diseases, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. saying it overlooked “the most pressing health issues.”
Prominent Haitian businessman Dimitri Vorbe was arrested in the U.S. on charges of supporting armed gangs and now faces deportation.
GLOBAL NEWS
U.S. Slams Mexico Over Screwworm Outbreak Near Border
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins accused Mexico of failing to enforce protocols to contain the spread of the New World screwworm, after an outbreak was detected just 70 miles from Texas. The parasite, which can kill livestock, poses a multibillion-dollar risk to the U.S. beef industry.
The U.S. has kept its border mostly closed to Mexican cattle since May, and Rollins warned that reopening hinges on “total compliance” with surveillance rules. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum pushed back, saying livestock controls are complex and that no official notification of changes to U.S. trade expectations had been given.
The outbreak has added strain ahead of a planned review of the USMCA trade agreement, rattling both countries’ beef sectors. The USDA has already dispatched staff to Nuevo Leon and invested $21 million in a sterile-fly facility in southern Mexico to suppress the pest.
Canada and Ireland Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Ottawa
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin met in Ottawa on Thursday, reaffirming the “enduring friendship” between Canada and Ireland, grounded in shared democratic values, historical ties, and strong people-to-people connections.
The leaders pledged continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for a just, lasting peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution. They also emphasized deepening collaboration on global challenges and mutual interests.
Economic Ties: Trade between the two countries has surged 98.5% since CETA’s provisional application in 2017. Both leaders underscored the importance of Ireland’s full ratification by 2026 and welcomed the new Canada–Ireland Economic Impact Report. Martin announced plans for a high-level trade delegation post-ratification, while both leaders supported upcoming sectoral missions in energy, security, and innovation.
Political and Cultural Partnership: The leaders reaffirmed commitment to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, highlighted Canada’s role in the Good Friday Agreement, and welcomed the new De Chastelain Scholarship Programme. They also looked ahead to the Canada–Ireland 180 cultural initiative in 2027, marking the 180th anniversary of the 1847 Famine migration.
Looking forward, Taoiseach Martin invited PM Carney for an official visit to Ireland in 2026, as both leaders committed to strengthening their partnership for future generations.
Carney and Holness Strengthen Canada–Jamaica Ties at UNGA
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Jamaican Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair Andrew Holness to deepen cooperation in trade, security, and commerce, including through the Canada–CARICOM Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders voiced concern over the crisis in Haiti, stressing that expanded international support is urgently needed. Carney reiterated Canada’s $60 million pledge to bolster Haiti’s stability and strengthen maritime security, announced earlier at UNGA.
Both prime ministers agreed to stay in close contact as Canada and Jamaica work to advance regional security and prosperity.
Zelenskyy Courts U.S. Business Leaders to Boost Ukraine’s Economy and Defense
In New York, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with top executives from Bank of America, Amazon, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, GE Vernova, Westinghouse, Lazard, Marsh McLennan, and more than a dozen other leading U.S. companies. He thanked them for their investments and stressed that Ukraine’s strength lies in both its military resilience and its economic vitality:
“Being strong means, first and foremost, having a strong economy and a favorable business climate.”
Zelenskyy highlighted progress under the U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which has already raised $150 million, and reaffirmed Ukraine’s partnership with the IMF as reforms continue toward EU membership.
With winter approaching, the President stressed that air defense and drone production remain urgent priorities, noting that Ukraine now has over 300 technology companies and plans to expand exports of new technologies to trusted partners.
He also announced plans to build export platforms in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, with initial interest from Africa, and said Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko will soon travel to the U.S. for targeted talks with businesses and institutions.
Zelenskyy, NATO Chief Rutte Discuss Expanding Military Support
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in New York, thanking him for NATO’s support and spotlighting PURL, a new NATO–U.S. initiative that funds the purchase of American weapons with NATO contributions.
Since its launch just two months ago, PURL has already reached $2.1 billion. Both leaders agreed on the need to expand contributions and bring in more participating countries.
They also discussed escalating Russian provocations, with Zelenskyy stressing that airspace violations of NATO states are deliberate actions, not mistakes. The two coordinated positions and mapped out next steps for reinforcing Ukraine’s defense and NATO’s deterrence.
Olena Zelenska Leads Historic Gathering of First Ladies and Gentlemen at UNGA
At the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, First Lady Olena Zelenska joined spouses of leaders from 15 countries in a landmark event on global challenges, peace, and prosperity.
“We are no longer merely symbolic figures – we are agents of change… Where ‘hard power’ draws borders, our ‘power of the heart’ builds bridges,” Zelenska said.
For the first time, major networks of first spouses — ALMA (Latin America), SCLAN (Caribbean), GFLA (Global First Ladies Alliance), and SFLG (Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen) — came together in one room. Participants highlighted initiatives ranging from healthcare access in the Caribbean and education programs in Latin America to mental health efforts in war-affected Europe and dialogues on gender equality.
The gathering culminated in a Joint Statement — “The Role of First Ladies and Gentlemen — Unite for Peace and Prosperity” — presented by Guatemala’s First Lady, Lucrecia Peinado. The statement reinforced the role of first spouses in addressing humanitarian crises, inequality, and global instability.
Moderator Dr. Cora Neumann, founder of the Global First Ladies Alliance, underlined:
“Soft power today is not a symbol; it is a strategy. It is a bridge where politics fails, and a voice that restores dignity where conflicts silence communities.”
This was the first-ever unification of regional first spouse networks at the UN, setting a precedent for more inclusive, people-centered diplomacy.
Olena Zelenska Marks First Anniversary of Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies at UNGA
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, First Lady Olena Zelenska joined the event “Ukrainian Studies Now: Building Global Alliances” to celebrate the first anniversary of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.
“Ukrainian Studies today is not just about the past. It is a way to understand the modern world, its dynamics, and its challenges… Knowledge is what helps dispel myths and counter disinformation,” Zelenska said.
The coalition has grown to include around 100 universities worldwide, with 15 official members across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. New memoranda were signed with Arizona State University, Columbia University, and the Shevchenko Scientific Society, while agreements were also reached with Notre Dame and Manor College.
A panel discussion, “How Academic Diplomacy Changes Global Perceptions of Ukraine,” brought together scholars from the U.S., UK, and Ukraine. Zelenska stressed the role of serious scholarship in combating propaganda: “In times of fakes and disinformation… it is extremely important to learn facts not only from online clips, but from original sources and scholarly works – carefully, deeply, and thoroughly.”
Launched in 2024 under Zelenska’s patronage, the coalition promotes joint educational courses, academic exchanges, and Ukrainian studies centers, shaping global understanding of Ukraine beyond the headlines.
Climate Pledges for 2035: China Steps Forward, U.S. Steps Back
Most of the world’s countries gathered yesterday to review their 2035 climate pledges. The event — held on the sidelines of UNGA — saw China unveil its first economy-wide emissions target, while the United States did not attend.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the moment as “the dawn of a new energy era.” But experts criticized both China’s limited ambition and the slow pace of other major emitters.
China’s new target: President Xi Jinping, addressing the group virtually, said China would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% from peak levels by 2035 and pledged to raise non-fossil fuels to over 30% of energy use within 10 years. Analysts at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said a 30% cut by 2035 would be required to align with the Paris goal of limiting warming to 1.5℃.
Global progress: Around 120 countries submitted updated targets. The EU offered only a tentative plan and India has yet to submit, both promising to finalize by COP30 in November.
U.S. withdrawal: The United States submitted a target under the Biden administration, but President Donald Trump has triggered a process to exit the Paris Agreement by January 2026. Addressing the General Assembly, he dismissed the concept of a carbon footprint as a “hoax.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it would cancel $13 billion in green energy funding, despite global investment in clean energy being on track to be twice that of fossil fuels, according to the IEA.
Talks on Gaza and the West Bank
The U.S. presented a 21-point peace plan for Gaza this week to Muslim-majority countries, according to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who said it addressed both Israeli and regional concerns.
Separately, Trump told Arab and Muslim leaders: “I will not allow Israel to annex part of the West Bank,” multiple outlets reported.
Syria’s Return to UNGA
For the first time since 1967, a Syrian leader addressed the General Assembly. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for lifting sanctions, criticized Israeli airstrikes, and stressed Syria was “committed to dialogue.”
In a parallel development, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said negotiations were underway on a potential security pact. Ukraine also restored diplomatic ties with Syria, signaling Damascus’ gradual reintegration into global diplomacy.
Taiwan–South Africa Tensions
Taiwan lifted its unilateral chip export controls on South Africa just two days after imposing them, citing Pretoria’s request for talks about moving Taiwan’s de facto embassy. Taipei initially justified the controls on “national security” grounds.
China criticized Taiwan’s move, accusing it of “destabilizing global supply chains”.
Thailand’s Political Transition
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that he will dissolve parliament in four months to call new elections. Anutin’s party left the ruling coalition after a court removed his predecessor last month. He was elected prime minister with opposition support, conditioned on holding new elections.
Violence in Texas: ICE Facility Shooting
A shooting at a Dallas ICE facility left one detainee dead and two others injured. One of the wounded is a Mexican national, according to Mexico’s foreign ministry. The shooter died of a self-inflicted wound. DHS described the incident as “an attack” on ICE law enforcement.
Sarkozy Convicted — Yet Seen in New York
A French court convicted former President Nicolas Sarkozy of criminal conspiracy, sentencing him to five years in jail for allegedly receiving illegal campaign funds from Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi. Sarkozy has denied wrongdoing, called the case politically motivated, and is expected to appeal.
Notably, despite the conviction, Sarkozy appeared at the Global Citizen Awards in New York yesterday.
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New Episode of Curating Culture is out now
Just in time for UNGA80, I take you on a peaceful walk through the UN Headquarters in NYC — from iconic sculptures and gifts to the garden, bookstores, and the GA chamber.