Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised a “truly global summit” on the issue of returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during a week of high-level diplomacy around the United Nations General Assembly.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from their families and relocated to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. Kyiv and international partners have repeatedly called for their return as both a humanitarian and legal priority under international law.

Speaking in his evening address, Zelenskyy said he will meet with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders during a “very intense week” of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly.

The schedule reportedly includes nearly two dozen meetings with leaders from countries that have supported Ukraine, as well as new partners. The first are set for Monday.

The diplomatic push comes as Ukraine seeks to build international support amid ongoing Russian aggression. Zelenskyy is using the UN General Assembly to push for coordinated sanctions, maintain international backing, and highlight the issue of returning Ukrainian children taken by Russia.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for strong international action to end the war. He highlighted recent sanctions pressure on Russia, including measures by the European Union, the United States, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

The president said the diplomatic week aims to strengthen global resolve, coordinate concrete steps against Russian aggression, and secure ongoing support for Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.