🇺🇦 Ukraine - President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

Summary

In this address to the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns of nuclear threats from Russia, specifically targeting Ukraine's nuclear power plants. He recounts the horrors of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, condemns Russia's imperial ambitions, and stresses the global dangers of continued aggression. Zelenskyy urges international leaders to support Ukraine's peace formula, which focuses on nuclear safety, territorial integrity, and holding war criminals accountable. He calls for unity and justice to end the war, emphasizing that true peace can only be achieved through collective global action.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Ukraine's President Zelensky addressed the assembly regarding a critical day that passed and one that must never come, referencing the Russian invasion.
• ⚛️ Zelensky expressed grave concerns about Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants, especially the largest in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, currently occupied by Russian forces.
• ☢️ The risk of a nuclear disaster due to Russian military actions at Ukrainian nuclear facilities poses a major threat to Europe and the world.
• 🛡️ Zelensky’s peace formula prioritizes nuclear safety and urges global leaders to support Ukraine’s effort to regain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
• 💡 Putin’s deliberate attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure aim to devastate the country's power supply, especially as winter approaches.
• 🛰️ Russian forces are using satellite imagery to plan further attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants, increasing the risk of a nuclear incident.
• 🌍 Zelensky emphasized that a nuclear disaster would not be confined to Ukraine, as radiation knows no borders and would affect many nations.
• 🤝 He urged global support for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of the peace formula and condemning half-hearted peace proposals that give Russia room to continue its war.
• 👥 Zelensky criticized the UN Security Council's inefficacy due to veto power but praised international support for Ukraine’s peace formula.
• 🕊️ Zelensky called for a real and just peace, appealing for global unity in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and holding Russia accountable for war crimes.

Q & A

What was the main topic of the address by President Zelensky to the UN General Assembly?

President Zelensky's main topic was the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on the risks to nuclear safety, energy infrastructure, and the broader impact of the war on global security.

What specific event related to a nuclear power plant did Zelensky highlight in his speech?

Zelensky highlighted the March 4th, 2022 incident when Russian tanks fired at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, which remains under Russian control.

Why does Zelensky emphasize nuclear safety in his speech?

Zelensky emphasizes nuclear safety because the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is occupied by Russian forces, posing a significant risk of a nuclear disaster that could affect Europe and the world.

What concerns did Zelensky express regarding the coming winter for Ukraine?

Zelensky expressed concerns that Russia is deliberately targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, having destroyed all of its thermal power plants and much of its hydroelectric capacity, potentially leaving millions of Ukrainians without heat or power during the winter.

What intelligence reports did Zelensky mention regarding future Russian attacks?

Zelensky mentioned intelligence reports suggesting that Russia may plan attacks on Ukraine's nuclear power plants, aiming to disconnect them from the power grid, which could lead to a nuclear disaster.

What does Zelensky say about the global implications of the war in Ukraine?

Zelensky warned that a Russian-caused nuclear disaster would not respect state borders, potentially impacting many nations globally, emphasizing that the war in Ukraine could affect other countries beyond the region.

What is Zelensky’s peace formula and why is it important?

Zelensky’s peace formula includes nuclear safety, energy security, food security, and the return of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, among other points. It’s important because it seeks a comprehensive, just peace that addresses all the core issues of the conflict without giving Russia more political space to continue its aggression.

What does Zelensky say about Russia's allies in the war?

Zelensky pointed out that Russia has formed alliances with North Korea and Iran, indicating that these nations are supporting its war efforts in Ukraine.

What criticism does Zelensky level at the UN Security Council?

Zelensky criticized the UN Security Council for being ineffective in stopping the war because Russia, as an aggressor, holds veto power, which prevents fair and effective resolutions for peace.

What is Zelensky’s position on alternative peace proposals from other countries?

Zelensky criticized alternative peace proposals that ignore Ukraine's suffering and territorial integrity. He argues that such proposals may inadvertently give Putin political space to continue the war and that only a comprehensive peace formula can bring lasting peace.

Outlines

00:00

⚠️ Addressing Nuclear Risks Amidst War

President Zelensky begins his address by recalling a critical moment from the war when Russian forces attacked Ukraine’s largest nuclear power plant, raising fears of a potential disaster reminiscent of Chernobyl. He highlights the ongoing occupation of the plant by Russian forces, emphasizing the nuclear safety risks this poses not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe and possibly the world. Zelensky thanks the General Assembly for supporting a resolution in July to ensure the safety of Ukrainian nuclear facilities, calling for Russia to return control of the plant to Ukraine for true nuclear security.

05:02

🌍 Russia's Targeting of Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Zelensky shifts focus to Russia’s deliberate attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, explaining how the destruction of thermal and hydroelectric power plants is part of Putin's strategy to break Ukrainian morale by leaving millions in the cold and dark during winter. He warns that Russia may also plan to target nuclear power plants to disconnect them from the grid, which could trigger a catastrophic nuclear incident. He urges the international community to exert pressure on Russia to prevent such a day from coming.

10:03

🕊️ Proposing a Comprehensive Peace Formula

Zelensky reflects on his peace proposal, presented at the G20 Summit in 2022, which includes a strategy to end the war and ensure global security. He underscores that Ukraine desires peace more than any other nation and that the ongoing war has broader implications for global safety. Zelensky points out that radiation from a potential nuclear disaster in Ukraine could affect other countries, stressing the interconnectedness of security. He thanks global leaders for supporting Ukraine’s peace formula and condemns Russia’s collaboration with countries like North Korea and Iran, which pose additional threats.

🚫 UN Limitations and the Veto Power Issue

Zelensky criticizes the structure of the UN Security Council, highlighting how Russia’s use of its veto power prevents the UN from effectively addressing the war in Ukraine. He argues that his peace formula offers a fair and comprehensive approach because it avoids the influence of veto power, unlike half-hearted settlement proposals that ignore Ukraine's suffering and give Russia room to continue its aggression. Zelensky emphasizes the importance of holding Russia accountable and preventing further escalation of the conflict.

🔑 Path to Real and Just Peace

Zelensky concludes by stressing the necessity of restoring nuclear safety, securing Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and holding war criminals accountable. He dismisses alternative proposals for peace that ignore key elements of Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. Zelensky warns against any attempt to compromise with Putin’s actions, viewing it as a danger to global peace. He calls for unity among nations, urging the international community to stand firm in support of Ukraine’s peace formula, which he believes is the only way to achieve a lasting and just peace.

Keywords

💡Nuclear Safety

Nuclear safety refers to the prevention of nuclear accidents and the protection of nuclear power plants from damage or sabotage. In the video, Zelensky emphasizes the risk of a nuclear incident at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces. He advocates for global attention to nuclear safety as the first point of his peace formula, citing the potential for disaster if these facilities are targeted during the war.

💡Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power station in Europe and a central point of concern in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Zelensky highlights how it was occupied by Russian forces early in the invasion, posing a significant risk to global nuclear security. The plant’s occupation symbolizes both the physical and environmental dangers of the war.

💡Peace Formula

The Peace Formula is a strategic plan proposed by Zelensky to end the war and restore security. It includes key elements such as nuclear safety, food security, and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He introduced this formula at the G20 Summit and stresses its importance as a comprehensive solution to achieve a 'just peace' without concessions to Russia’s aggression.

💡Energy Infrastructure

Energy infrastructure refers to the facilities and systems that generate and distribute energy, including power plants and electricity grids. Zelensky discusses Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, destroying thermal and hydroelectric power plants to plunge the country into darkness during winter. These attacks are presented as part of Russia’s broader strategy to demoralize the Ukrainian population.

💡Chernobyl

Chernobyl is a reference to the 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine, which serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with nuclear power. Zelensky evokes Chernobyl when describing the Russian attack on the Zaporizhzhia power plant, stressing the potential for another catastrophic nuclear event. The memory of Chernobyl reinforces the urgency of nuclear safety in the ongoing conflict.

💡Veto Power

Veto power refers to the ability of certain members of the United Nations Security Council to block decisions, even if there is majority support. Zelensky criticizes the UN for being unable to stop the war because of Russia’s veto power, which allows it to prevent any meaningful action. He contrasts this with his peace formula, which does not grant special privileges to any country, ensuring fairness and effectiveness.

💡Food Security

Food security refers to the availability of food and people's ability to access it. Zelensky mentions food security as one of the critical points in his peace formula, linking it to the war’s impact on global food supplies. The conflict has disrupted agricultural production and export in Ukraine, which is a major grain producer, thereby threatening food supplies in many parts of the world.

💡Territorial Integrity

Territorial integrity is the principle that a state's borders should not be violated by external forces. Zelensky emphasizes Ukraine’s right to territorial integrity under international law, rejecting any settlement that would allow Russia to retain control over occupied regions. The concept is central to Ukraine’s demands for the full restoration of its borders, as part of a just peace.

💡North Korea and Iran

North Korea and Iran are mentioned by Zelensky as Russia's key allies in the conflict. He criticizes Russia’s partnership with these authoritarian regimes, which he portrays as emblematic of Russia’s disregard for international norms. Their involvement underscores the geopolitical alliances that complicate the path to peace and reflect the broader global stakes of the war.

💡War Crimes

War crimes refer to serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, including attacks on civilians. Zelensky calls for holding Russia accountable for war crimes committed in Ukraine, such as the targeting of civilians, forced deportations, and destruction of cities. Ensuring justice for these acts is part of his peace formula, as he argues that there can be no peace without accountability.

Highlights

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the danger posed by Russian attacks on Ukraine's nuclear power plants, particularly the largest in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskyy recounts the terrifying moment in March 2022 when Russian tanks fired at Ukrainian nuclear facilities, raising the specter of another Chernobyl-like disaster.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains occupied by Russian forces, and Zelenskyy calls it a major source of potential radiation danger for Europe and the world.

Zelenskyy stresses that real nuclear safety in Europe will only be achieved when Russia returns control of the Zaporizhzhia plant to Ukraine.

Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including the destruction of thermal and hydroelectric power plants, is a tactic to inflict suffering on millions of Ukrainians.

Putin is preparing to cause further damage during winter by destroying energy systems, aiming to leave Ukrainian towns and villages in the dark and cold.

Zelenskyy reveals intelligence reports suggesting that Russia may plan attacks on Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and infrastructure to disconnect them from the grid.

The Ukrainian President warns that any missile or drone strike on the energy system could lead to a nuclear disaster, with global consequences.

Zelenskyy expresses gratitude to the UN General Assembly for adopting a resolution in July 2023 on the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy advocates for his peace formula, highlighting its first principle: nuclear safety, essential to preventing nuclear disaster in Europe.

He reiterates the global nature of the threat, emphasizing that a nuclear disaster in Ukraine would have effects beyond its borders, with global radiation risks.

Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression is not only for its own people but also for the peace and stability of neighboring regions, as other nations could face similar threats.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of seeking to prolong the war and pressure other countries, with support from North Korea and Iran, which he describes as Russia’s special allies.

The President highlights that the UN’s ability to resolve conflicts is hindered by the Security Council’s veto power, calling for reforms to ensure effective peace.

Zelenskyy urges global unity in supporting Ukraine’s right to territorial integrity and sovereignty, as part of upholding the UN Charter and ensuring a just peace.

Transcripts

the assembly will hear an address by his

Excellency vadir zelanski president of

Ukraine I request protocol to escort his

Excellency and invite him to address the

assembly

[Music]

morning thank you very much dear leaders

your excellencies today I want to tell

you about day that has already passed

and a day that must never

come on the night of March 4th 2022 I

received one of the most terrifying

reports in the beginning of a full scale

Russian invasion against Ukraine the

report was about Russian tanks firing

directly at the buildings of our

Ukrainian nuclear power plant the thean

nuclear power plant the largest one in

Europe six nuclear reactors the Russian

army

stormed this facility just as brutally

as any other during this war without

thinking about the consequences possibly

disastrous this was one of the most most

horrifying moments of the war when no

one could know how Russian strikes on

the nuclear facility would end and

everyone in Ukraine was reminded of what

Chernobyl

means now the thearesia nuclear power

plant remains occupied by Russian forces

unfortunately and it's at risk of a

nuclear incident this is the major

source of radiation danger in Europe

possibly in the world that's why in the

peace formula I presented the first

point is about nuclear

safety in Ukraine we know exactly what

we are dealing with and I want to thank

you the general assembly members for

adopting a resolution in July this year

on the safety of nuclear facilities in

Ukraine most in the world

understand what's at stake the general

assembly demanded that Russian return

control of the the Parisian nuclear

power plant to Ukraine only then real

nuclear Security will return to Europe

and the

world and now about the day that must

never come since Russia can't defeat our

people's resistance on the battlefield

Putin is looking for other ways to break

the Ukrainian Spirit one of his methods

is targeting our energy

infrastructure and these are deliberate

Russian attacks on our power plants and

the entire energy

GD as of today Russia has destroyed all

our thermal power plants and a large

part of our Hydro electric capacity this

is how Putin is preparing for winter

hoping to torment millions millions of

ukrainians ordinary families women

children ordinary towns ordinary

Villages Putin wants to leave them in

the dark and cold this winter forcing

Ukraine to suffer and surrender just

imagine please your country with 80% of

its energy system gone with such a

destroyed part of the system

what kind of life would that

be recently I received yet another

alarming report from our intelligence

now Putin does seem to be planning

attacks on our nuclear power plants and

the infrastructure aiming to disconnect

the plants from the power grid with the

help of satellites by the way ladies and

Gentlemen by the way satellites of other

countries

Russia is getting images and detailed

information about the infrastructure of

our nuclear power plants but what does

this really threaten any missile or

drone strike any critical incident in

the energy system could lead to a

nuclear disaster a day like that must

never come and Moscow needs to

understand this and this depends in part

on on your determination to put pressure

on the aggressor these are nuclear power

plants they must be

safe ladies and gentlemen two years ago

in the fall of

2022 I proposed a comprehensive strategy

to end the war and to ensure security

and I presented the peace formula at a

highly inclusive political platform for

world leaders the G20 Summit in

Indonesia

representing billions of citizens from

all parts of the globe and it's

important for us that all these people

can understand us understand that

Ukraine wants to end this war more than

anyone in the world war always poses a

threat to many you all see in the media

and read in reports what is happening in

Ukraine because of Russia's War it's

something many are imagining happening

to

themselves and yes the smoke from fires

in war torm cities can reach other

countries and if God forbid Russia

causes a nuclear disaster at one at one

of our nuclear power plants radiation

will not respect state borders and

unfortunately various Nations could feel

the devastating effects many are

concerned but the deepest understanding

of war is always found in the home it

destroys it's the Ukrainian people who

feel the full pain of this war it's

Ukrainian children who are learning to

distinguish the sounds of different

types of artillery and drones because of

Russia's War it's our people who are

forcefully separated by occupation

because Putin decided he could do

whatever he wants it's our heroic

soldiers who are giving their lives to

defend our country from Invaders trying

to steal our land that's why we say

rightfully so there can be no just peace

without Ukraine and I thank every leader

every country that supports Us in this

that understands us that sees how Russia

a country more than 20 times larger than

Ukraine in territory still wants even

more land more land which is insane and

is seasoning it day by day while wanting

to destroy its

neighbor and Russia found very special

bodies for that North

Korea and Iran telling choice of friends

and now every neighbor of Russia in

Europe and Central Asia feels that the

war could come to them as well and just

think what kind of losses that would

mean for the world and I

think nearly 100 Nations and

international organizations that have

supported the peace formula it's truly a

global Community Africa Asia Europe

Latin America North America the Pacific

region all United by the peace formula

and I am glad that the first peace

Summit was so reminding of the UN

General Assembly everyone was equal All

Nations that participated in the peace

Summit large and small no V right no

blocking Authority those that have been

independent for ages and those that have

only recently gained independence those

that have gone through Wars themselves

and those accustomed to peace all all we

equal that is what Russia hates the most

and cannot control that's why Russia

says the peace formula doesn't suit

it

here at the UN I've already met with

leaders from India Mala Japan and Italy

turkey and Finland Canada Paraguay

Slovenia Germany and others and and my

meetings will continue these are

different absolutely parts of the world

and various political ways of life but

they share the same understanding peace

is needed and it must be a real just

peace unfortunately at the UN it's

impossible to truly and fairly resolve

matters of War and Peace because too

much too much depends in the security

Council on the V power when the

aggressor exercise veto power the UN is

powerless to stop the war but the peace

formula can once again there is no V

power in it that's why it's the best

opportunity for peace everyone is equal

and it's effective and comprehensive

when some propose

Alternatives half-hearted settlement

plans so-called sets of

principles it not only ignores the

interests and suffering of

ukrainians who are affected by the war

the most it not only ignores reality but

also gives Putin the political space to

continue the war and pressure the world

to bring more ations under

control any parallel or alternative

attempts to seek peace are in fact

efforts to achieve a la instead of an

end to the war as a global initiative

the peace formula has already existed

for two years and maybe somebody wants a

Nobel Prize for their political

biography for Frozen truths instead of

real peace but the only prices Putin

will give you in return are more

suffering and

disasters we must restore nuclear safety

energy must stop being used as a weapon

we must ensure food security we need to

bring home all our captured soldiers and

civilians possibly deported to Russia 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 and

we must hold those responsible for war

crimes accountable we need to prevent

echoside and stop that destruction of

nature caused by the war and we must not

allow a second or sword phas of this

Russian invasion 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 if someone in the world seeks

alternatives to any of these points or

tries to ignore any of them it likely

means they themselves want to do a part

of what Putin is doing the point they

ignore reveals that desire their

hiding and when the Chinese Brazilian

Duo tries to grow into a CH of voices

with someone in Europe with someone in

Africa saying something alternative to a

full and just peace the question

arises what is the true interest

everyone must understand you will not

boost your power at Ukraine's

expense and the world has already been

through colonial wars and conspiracies

of great powers and the expans of those

who are smaller every country including

China Brazil European nations African

nations Middle East all understand why

this must remain in the past and

ukrainians will never accept will never

accept why anyone in the world believes

that such a brutal Colonial past which

suits no one today can be imposed on

Ukraine now instead of a normal peaceful

life I want peace for my people real

peace and just peace and 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 thank you Slava

Ukraine on behalf of the assembly I wish

to thank the president of Ukraine

[Applause]