Ukrainian President Zelenskiy Addresses the UN Security Council
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the United Nations Security Council on September 24, asserting that peace with Russia can only be achieved through force. He characterized Russia as the sole aggressor in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that President Vladimir Putin has disregarded numerous international norms and rules. "Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what's needed," Zelenskiy stated, underscoring the necessity of holding Russia accountable for its actions.
In his remarks, Zelenskiy denounced Iran and North Korea as "accomplices" in Russia's military endeavors, accusing them of supplying weapons that have been utilized in attacks against Ukraine. He dismissed the notion of negotiating with Putin as "insanity," highlighting the dire consequences of Russia's military actions on Ukrainian civilians.
Prior to Zelenskiy's address, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya expressed his delegation's reluctance to engage with what he termed "cloned speeches" criticizing Moscow. Notably, he remained present during Zelenskiy's speech, which coincided with a renewed wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
Recent Attacks and Calls for Action
On the same day, Zelenskiy urged the United States to take "decisive" action to expedite the end of the war, following a series of Russian strikes that left three individuals dead in Ukraine's second-largest city. He detailed the targets of these attacks, which included an apartment building and a bakery, emphasizing the impact on everyday life for ordinary Ukrainians. "Russia is a terrorist, and it proves this every day with its own actions," he asserted on social media, sharing images of the destruction.
As Zelenskiy participated in the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he met with a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, expressing gratitude for America's steadfast support of Ukraine. He highlighted the critical role the U.S. plays in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom.
The United States, along with its Western allies, has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine while imposing multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia. During his discussions with Senators and Representatives, Zelenskiy conveyed the current state of the conflict and the urgency for action. "Decisive action now could hasten the just end of Russian aggression against Ukraine next year," he remarked, referring to his "Victory Plan" aimed at restoring peace.
Looking ahead, Zelenskiy is scheduled to address the UNGA on September 25 and engage in discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on September 26. He has also held bilateral meetings with leaders from Germany, India, and Japan, reinforcing international support for Ukraine.
In a forthcoming interview with ABC News, Zelenskiy expressed optimism about the potential for peace, stating, "I think that we are closer to the peace than we think." Despite the ongoing conflict, he believes that a strong stance is essential for compelling Putin to halt hostilities.
As the situation remains fluid, with Russia continuing its military operations, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted a significant number of drones launched by Russia on September 24. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 66 out of 81 drones were shot down, while Russian forces maintained their assault on various regions across Ukraine.
In a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges, regional authorities reported damage to energy infrastructure in the eastern region of Poltava due to Russian strikes. Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted Ukrainian drones over its own territories, illustrating the escalating tensions on both sides.
