During his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took aim at nations aiding Moscow in its deadly invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy specifically called out China, North Korea, and Iran for providing direct military support to Russia. He stressed the importance of upholding the U.N. Charter and urged countries to support Ukraine’s demands for the withdrawal of Russian troops. Zelenskyy criticized China’s alternative peace plan, which lacked concrete steps to end the war and did not call for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. He also highlighted the threat Russia poses to nuclear security, pointing out that radiation does not respect state borders.
Zelenskyy warned that Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, destroying thermal power plants and hydroelectric capacity in an attempt to cut off the nation’s power sources, particularly during the winter months. He accused Putin of planning to target nuclear power plants in order to disconnect them from the power grid, a tactic allegedly supported by satellite images from other nations. Zelenskyy emphasized that Putin’s actions are aimed at breaking the Ukrainian spirit in the face of strong resistance from the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian leader reiterated the need for global support in ending the conflict and ensuring the security of Ukraine.
In his address to the UNGA, Zelenskyy questioned the true interests of nations that support alternative peace plans or refuse to back Ukraine’s calls for Russian troop withdrawal. He criticized Iran for providing Moscow with drones for over two years, as well as North Korea for its direct military aid to Russia. Zelenskyy highlighted the crucial role of the international community in addressing the crisis in Ukraine and preventing further escalation of the conflict. He expressed concern over the potential consequences of Russia’s actions on nuclear security, stressing the importance of cooperation and solidarity among nations to address the threat posed by Moscow’s aggression.
Zelenskyy’s firm stance against nations aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine reflects his determination to seek justice and peace for his country. By calling out China, North Korea, and Iran for their support of Moscow, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for international solidarity in condemning such actions and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian leader’s warnings about the potential targeting of nuclear power plants and the impact of Russia’s actions on nuclear security underscore the urgency of addressing the crisis in Ukraine and preventing further escalation of the conflict. Zelenskyy’s address at the UNGA serves as a powerful call to action for the global community to stand united against aggression and uphold the principles of peace, justice, and security.
