UNITED NATIONS — Ukraine’s president called on global leaders to support his country and prioritize a “real, just peace” over simply seeking a temporary cessation of hostilities amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Facing mounting pressure from Western allies and some Ukrainian constituents to negotiate a ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the U.N. General Assembly, reiterating that there is no substitute for the peace formula he proposed two years ago. This framework demands the withdrawal of all Russian troops, accountability for war crimes, the release of prisoners of war, and guarantees for nuclear safety, energy, and food security.
“Any attempts to pursue alternative peace strategies are merely efforts to achieve a pause rather than a definitive end to the war,” Zelenskyy stated, urging nations to “put pressure on” Russia.
“Do not divide the world. Be united nations,” he implored, emphasizing that unity is crucial for peace.
During Zelenskyy’s speech, Russian representatives occupied their seats in the assembly, while President Vladimir Putin was absent from this year’s high-level meetings. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to address the assembly on Saturday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Zelenskyy’s comments made earlier to the U.N. Security Council, where he stated that Russia needs to be “forced into peace.” Peskov dismissed this stance as “a fatal mistake” that would have repercussions for Kyiv.
Although the war in Ukraine dominated discussions during previous U.N. sessions, this year’s meeting has been overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict and escalating tensions in the region.
The confrontation between Ukraine and Russia remains intense along a 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front, with Russia gaining ground in the eastern part of the country while Ukraine has conducted surprising incursions across the border.
Ukrainian officials have rejected peace proposals from China and Brazil, believing they would merely buy time for Russia.
Zelenskyy argued that alternative, half-hearted peace plans disregard the reality of the situation and fail to acknowledge the suffering of Ukrainians, ultimately allowing Putin to maintain the status quo. He warned proponents of such plans that attempting to gain influence at Ukraine’s expense will not succeed.
Zelenskyy is anticipated to present a comprehensive plan to U.S. President Joe Biden, detailing Ukraine’s immediate needs from Western allies to ensure victory in the ongoing conflict.
This report clarifies that Zelenskyy’s statement indicated that alternative peace proposals seek “a lull” rather than “an out” of the war.
