Zelensky Calls for True Peace and Justice for Ukraine at U.N. Assembly

On September 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly, calling on all countries to endorse Kyiv’s vision for a genuine and equitable peace. His speech focused on the urgent need to end hostilities and hold those accountable for the ongoing war crimes.

Zelensky emphasized that the removal of Russian occupiers is critical for bringing peace to Ukraine. He insisted that any attempts at a “parallel or alternative” peace would merely serve to create a temporary lull rather than a definitive end to the conflict.

“Ukraine wants to end this war more than anyone else in the world. Peace is essential, and it has to be a real, just peace,” he stated. Highlighting the sacrifices of Ukrainian soldiers, Zelensky declared, “There can be no just peace without Ukraine.”

Speaking of a severe incident on March 4, 2022, Zelensky recalled a report he received about Russian tanks firing directly at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant—the largest in Europe, containing six reactors. He described this event as one of the most horrifying moments of the war.

Reflecting on that day, he noted the deep fear it instilled in the Ukrainian people. The memory of the Chernobyl disaster resurfaced all too vividly as concerns about safety at nuclear facilities intensified.

In his address, Zelensky underscored the significant risks posed by Russia’s military strategy. “In Ukraine, we know precisely what we are dealing with,” he stated, stressing that after failing to break the Ukrainian resistance on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin is now targeting infrastructure.

Highlighting the looming threat of winter, he elaborated on how Russia has systematically destroyed Ukraine’s thermal and hydroelectric power plants. This calculated devastation aims to plunge millions into darkness during the cold months ahead, affecting ordinary families and entire communities.

Zelensky conveyed that this assault on energy infrastructure is part of a broader strategy by Putin to force Ukrainians into submission. He implored U.N. delegates to envision the ramifications if their own nations lost 80% of their energy capacity.

He also raised alarms over Russian plans to attack Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, indicating that intelligence suggests efforts to disconnect these facilities from the power grid are underway. This could lead to catastrophic consequences, including severe nuclear incidents.

Zelensky cautioned that “radiation does not know national borders,” stressing the need for all nations to prioritize nuclear safety. He described the war as a painful experience primarily borne by the Ukrainian populace, particularly children who are now learning to identify the sounds of warfare.

Recognizing the support from nearly 100 countries for Ukraine’s peace initiatives, he expressed gratitude for the collective defense against Russia’s invasion. However, he underscored the complication of seeking resolutions at the U.N. due to Russia’s veto power in the Security Council.

Zelensky declared that Ukraine’s peace formula is the best, most effective means to end the war without veto obstructions. He reaffirmed the importance of restoring nuclear safety and ensuring that energy is not used as a weapon.

He underscored the necessity of guaranteeing food security, advocating for the return of captured soldiers and civilians, and preserving environmental integrity amidst the conflict.

In his closing remarks, Zelensky asserted that Ukrainians will not tolerate the imposition of a brutal colonial past and called on the international community to stand united in pursuit of peace. He urged everyone involved to be “the united nations,” emphasizing that this unity is crucial in bringing about peace.