'Parallel attempts to seek peace are efforts to achieve a lull' - Zelenskyy

UNITED NATIONS, New York

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on world leaders to support Ukraine and avoid seeking temporary solutions instead of a lasting peace during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.

He stressed the need to restore internationally recognized boundaries between Russia and Ukraine.

In his speech, Zelenskyy said, "Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve a lull instead of an end to the war." He reiterated the necessity of his two-year-old proposal, known as the Peace Formula, which calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces to ensure Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"And we need to make it clear, the war is over. This is the Peace Formula. What part of this could be unacceptable to anyone who upholds the UN Charter? We must uphold the UN Charter and guarantee our right, Ukraine's right, to territorial integrity and sovereignty, just as we do for any other nation. We need to withdraw the Russian occupiers, which will bring an end to the hostilities in Ukraine," said Zelenskyy.

He criticized alternative peace proposals, asserting that they ignore the suffering of Ukrainians and give Russian President Vladimir Putin the opportunity to continue the conflict.

He said, "Maybe someone wants a Nobel Prize for their political biography for a frozen truce instead of real peace, but the only prizes Putin will give you in return are more suffering and disasters."

Zelenskyy highlighted the limitations of the UN in resolving conflicts due to the Security Council's veto power. "When the aggressor exercises veto power, the UN is powerless to stop the war," he said.

He urged the international community to support Ukraine in expelling Russian forces, ensuring accountability for war crimes, and securing nuclear safety, energy, and food.

He emphasised global unity in his statement at the assembly. "I'm asking for your support from all nations of the world. We do not divide the world. I ask the same of you, do not divide the world. Be united nations, and that will bring us peace," he implored. "And that will bring us peace. Those that have gone through wars themselves, and those accustomed to peace. All were equal, that is what Russia hates the most and cannot control. That's why Russia says the Peace Formula doesn't suit it," added Zelenskyy.

"I'm glad that the first Peace Summit was so reminiscent of the UN General Assembly--everyone was equal. All nations that participated in the Peace Summit, large and small, no veto power, no blocking authority. Those that have been independent for ages, and those that have only recently gained independence," said Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy also mentioned scepticism towards the roles of China and Brazil in seeking talks with Russia. He questioned their true motives and stressed, "Everyone must understand--you won't boost your power at Ukraine's expense."

Additionally, Zelenskyy met with President of the United Nations General Assembly Philemon Yang to discuss resolutions supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, increased his warnings against the West by stating that Russia should be able to deploy nuclear weapons if it was attacked by a country backed by a nuclear-armed state.