Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed the U.N. General Assembly, calling on global leaders to support his country in seeking a real and just peace in the face of Russia's ongoing war. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of not settling for a temporary lull but striving for a definitive end to the conflict. He reiterated his peace formula, which includes the expulsion of all Russian forces from Ukraine, accountability for war crimes, and ensuring nuclear safety and food security.
Zelenskyy urged nations to unite and put pressure on Russia to comply with these peace terms, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to achieve lasting peace. He cautioned against alternative peace proposals that could prolong the conflict and give Russia political space to continue the war.
Meanwhile, Russia has yet to address the General Assembly, with low-level diplomats representing the country during Zelenskyy's speech. Russian President Vladimir Putin's absence from the high-level meetings has drawn attention, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to deliver Russia's address on Saturday.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, spanning a 1,000-kilometer front line, has escalated since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Despite recent developments, including Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory, efforts to broker peace have faced challenges.
Zelenskyy is set to present a victory plan to U.S. President Joe Biden, outlining Ukraine's urgent needs from Western allies to secure a favorable outcome. The rejection of alternative peace plans reflects Ukraine's commitment to achieving a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
As the world focuses on other global conflicts, Zelenskyy's impassioned plea for solidarity and decisive action underscores the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. The international community's response to his call for unity will play a crucial role in determining the path to peace in the region.
For more updates on the U.N. General Assembly, visit AP's coverage.
