| 20 September 2023
| Christie Anto
New York, USA – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a historic address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 19, marking his first in-person appearance since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Dressed in his iconic khaki green shirt, Zelenskyy called on member states to join forces in opposing Russian aggression and emphasized the crucial need for a peace agreement recognizing Ukraine's territorial integrity.
In a passionate speech that garnered global attention, President Zelenskyy began by reflecting on the General Assembly's history, highlighting that this hall had witnessed many discussions about the fear of a final, nuclear war – a war that could render the Assembly's gatherings obsolete. He underscored the importance of nuclear disarmament as a means to prevent such a catastrophe but raised concerns about the weaponization of non-nuclear elements of warfare.
Zelenskyy provided three compelling examples of this weaponization. Firstly, he addressed the weaponization of food by Russia, explaining how Ukrainian ports were blockaded, causing ripple effects on the global food market. He expressed gratitude for support in initiatives like "Black Sea Grain," which aimed to counteract Russia's actions and ensure food stability for nations affected.
Secondly, Zelenskyy discussed the weaponization of energy, citing Russia's use of energy resources as leverage over other nations. He highlighted Russia's disturbing actions regarding nuclear energy, emphasizing the need to address the risk posed by nuclear power plants becoming instruments of coercion and destruction.
Thirdly, the Ukrainian President spoke about the weaponization of children, condemning Russia's mass kidnapping and deportation policies in occupied Ukrainian territories. He referred to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin in connection with these crimes and called this situation a genocide.
Zelenskyy then broadened his message, asserting that Russia's aggression extended beyond Ukraine. He cited other nations affected by Russia's actions, from Moldova and Georgia to Syria and Belarus, warning that many seats in the General Assembly Hall might remain empty if Russia's treachery and aggression were successful in dismantling the rules-based international order.
The Ukrainian President painted a grim picture of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russian artillery reducing towns and villages to rubble and the growing use of drones in warfare. He also expressed concern about the potential for cyber warfare and climate-based attacks in the future.
Despite these dire circumstances, Zelenskyy called for unity and collaboration among nations to confront the aggressor. He presented his Ukrainian Peace Formula, a blueprint for a new global security architecture that could safeguard against all forms of weaponization and aggression, not just in Ukraine but worldwide.
More than 140 states and international organizations have already shown support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula, making it a global initiative. Zelenskyy emphasized the opportunity to end aggression on the terms of the nation under attack, a chance for nations worldwide to ensure that their sovereignty and territory would be fully restored in the face of aggression.
He announced the establishment of meetings between national security advisers and diplomatic representatives and plans for a Global Peace Summit, inviting all nations that oppose aggression to join in the preparations.
In a plea for transparency and unity, President Zelenskyy warned against making deals behind closed doors with an untrustworthy aggressor. He emphasized that unity should be the guiding principle, especially as Russia continues to push the world towards a potential final war.
As he concluded his speech with the resounding words "Слава Україні!" (Glory to Ukraine!), Zelenskyy left a powerful impression on the global stage, urging the world to unite in the face of aggression and the dangerous weaponization of various elements of modern conflict. His call for a united front against aggression and weaponization resonated with the international community, setting the stage for critical discussions and actions in the days and months ahead.
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