Zelensky, Al-Sharaa Go Viral at UN General Assembly

The UN General Assembly in New York delivered the expected spectacle: dramatic speeches, warnings of war, and forceful declarations from world leaders. But alongside the formal addresses, cameras captured a series of unusual moments that quickly went viral online.

One clip that drew particular attention featured Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani. While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered his address from the podium, al-Sharaa was caught on camera looking at his mobile phone and scrolling through short videos.

Footage circulating on social media appeared to show him browsing Instagram reels.

Browsing during the speech: Syria's president while Erdoğan addressed the assembly (Photo: Social media)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also became one of the figures cameras sought out in the hall. During U.S. President Donald Trump's speech, which addressed the war in Ukraine and strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, cameras repeatedly cut to Zelensky, documenting his reactions.

Trump claimed in his address that Ukraine is damaging Russia's fuel industry, referring to Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities inside Russia.

Zelensky's expressive reactions (Photo: Social media)

But the leaders weren't the only ones providing viral content. Before even entering the hall, Trump encountered CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins. After she directed a question at him, the American president said he was surprised to see CNN covering him and told her: "You're not supposed to be here."

Collins shot back that the UN had approved their access. Trump continued to insist that the network shouldn't be covering him, while Collins pressed him with questions about the war in Iran.

"You're not supposed to be here" (Photo: Social media)

Then came the walkouts.

During his speech, Trump sharply attacked the Cuban regime, declaring it a failed state and promising that freedom would come to the island. As he spoke, members of the Cuban delegation rose from their seats and left the hall. The exit occurred while Trump was discussing the communist regime in Havana and was captured on camera.

The Cuban delegation walks out (Photo: Screenshot)

The Iranian delegation also didn't remain for Trump's entire address. When the American president turned to Iran and threatened that he might take extreme measures if no agreement is reached, members of the Iranian delegation were seen leaving the hall.