Trump calls on Putin to ‘settle the war’ as world leaders gather at UN

US President Donald Trump delivered a brief message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as he arrived at United Nations headquarters in New York.

According to The Guardian, Trump said, “settle the war”, after a reporter shouted a question asking what message he had for Putin.

His remarks came as world leaders gathered for the opening debate of the UN General Assembly, with Russia’s war in Ukraine among the major issues on the agenda.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned Russia’s invasion during his opening remarks, saying it had subjected a sovereign country to a “brutal war, in blatant violation of the charter.”

“Civilians continue to be killed far from the frontlines, mainly in Ukraine, but also more recently in parts of Russia. Homes, energy and water systems and transport have come under repeated attack, threatening food and energy supplies and supply chains globally,” Guterres said.

The UN chief also addressed conflicts and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, Sudan and Myanmar during his speech.

Guterres renewed calls for reform of the UN Security Council, including adding a permanent seat for an African country.

Trump arrived at the UN as international attention remains focused on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and other major global conflicts.