Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a special session of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, asserting that peace in Ukraine can only be achieved by forcing Russia into a settlement, as he firmly rejected any negotiations based on Moscow’s terms.
Speaking at the session, which included a representative from Russia, Zelensky reiterated his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and criticized the idea of engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has suggested freezing lines of control amid the ongoing conflict. “We know some in the world want to talk to Putin,” Zelensky remarked, describing such notions as “insanity.”
Dressed in his signature military fatigues, Zelensky stated, “Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what’s needed.” He emphasized that any resolution to Russia’s invasion, now in its second year, must align with the principles outlined in the UN Charter, which upholds the sovereignty of member states. “One day in this hall, it will surely be said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has ended — not paused, not forgotten, truly ended,” he asserted, insisting that this outcome would not be due to fatigue or negotiations with Putin but rather a commitment to the UN Charter.
Zelensky’s remarks also addressed the international community’s responsibility to hold accountable countries like Iran and North Korea for their alleged military support to Russia, echoing the sentiments expressed by the United States in its ongoing condemnation of such actions.
Later this week, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House, where he will likely discuss continued support for Ukraine amid the escalating conflict. In a recent address to the UN, Biden called for unwavering international backing for Ukraine until it achieves victory.
Zelensky’s trip and rhetoric come at a critical juncture, just weeks before the U.S. elections, where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has labeled financial aid to Ukraine as wasteful and has expressed admiration for Putin, complicating the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.
As the war continues to unfold, Zelensky’s call for unity and action from the international community reinforces Ukraine’s stance against aggression and its determination to uphold its sovereignty.
