New York, Sep 22: The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened in New York on Tuesday, bringing world leaders and senior officials together as conflicts and diplomatic tensions continue across several regions.

The high-level gathering is expected to focus on major international issues, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, humanitarian crises, global security and efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts through diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders during the UN gathering. The conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine are expected to feature prominently in discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to meet Trump as Kyiv continues to seek international support and diplomatic measures aimed at reducing attacks and protecting critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides reporting attacks and casualties. Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone strike in the Samara region that left one person dead and four others injured.

The UN General Assembly comes at a time of heightened international tensions, with governments also facing the economic and humanitarian consequences of prolonged conflicts.

The week-long diplomatic gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for countries to discuss international security, humanitarian assistance, economic stability and possible diplomatic pathways to ongoing conflicts.