President Trump speaks at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, USA, September 23. (Photo: REUTERS)

This was Trump’s first address to the UN General Assembly since returning to the White House in January.

President Trump said the US is prepared to impose strong tariff measures to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw from his three-and-a-half-year-long conflict with Ukraine. He stressed that such measures will only be effective if European allies follow the US’s lead.

Trump criticized European countries for continuing to purchase oil and gas from Russia, and said Washington will not increase sanctions unless those countries stop buying energy from Moscow.

President Trump rejected the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state, arguing that such recognition would be “too great a reward for Hamas.” He called again for the release of living and deceased hostages being held by Hamas and insisted that the war in Gaza must end immediately.