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In a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivered an impassioned plea for the international community to unite in stopping Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Warning of dire consequences if the conflict is allowed to persist, Zelenskiy cautioned that failure to act decisively could trigger a global arms race with catastrophic implications for humanity. His speech, delivered in New York during the annual gathering of world leaders, underscored the urgency of ending the war, now in its third year, and highlighted the broader threats posed by Russia’s aggression, including the potential use of nuclear weapons and the destabilization of global security.
A Call for Unity Against Russian Aggression
Zelenskiy’s address came at a critical juncture in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Standing before the UN General Assembly, he emphasized that the war is not merely a regional issue but a global threat that demands collective action. “This war is not just Ukraine’s fight,” he declared. “It is a war against the principles of the United Nations, against peace, and against humanity itself.” He urged world leaders to recognize the stakes, warning that allowing Russia to continue its aggression unchecked would embolden other authoritarian regimes and undermine the international rules-based order.
The Ukrainian president framed his speech around the concept of peace, but not at the cost of capitulation. He rejected any notion of a negotiated settlement that would reward Russia’s territorial gains or legitimize its violations of international law. “Peace cannot mean surrender,” Zelenskiy asserted. “It cannot mean abandoning our people, our land, or our sovereignty.” Instead, he called for a “just peace” based on the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and accountability for war crimes committed by Russian forces.
The Specter of a Global Arms Race
One of the most striking elements of Zelenskiy’s speech was his warning about the risk of a new global arms race. He pointed to Russia’s recent escalatory rhetoric, including veiled threats from President Vladimir Putin about the potential use of nuclear weapons. Putin has repeatedly suggested that Russia could resort to nuclear options if its territorial integrity or sovereignty is threatened, a stance that has heightened global anxieties. Zelenskiy described these threats as a form of “nuclear blackmail” designed to intimidate the international community into inaction.
“If we do not stop Russia now, the world risks sliding into a destructive arms race,” Zelenskiy warned. He argued that Russia’s actions are pushing other nations to bolster their own military capabilities, including nuclear arsenals, as a deterrent. Such a development, he cautioned, would divert resources from critical global challenges like poverty, climate change, and public health, while increasing the likelihood of catastrophic miscalculations. “The world cannot afford to play this dangerous game,” he said. “We must choose peace over proliferation.”
Zelenskiy also highlighted Russia’s collaboration with other authoritarian regimes, such as North Korea and Iran, which he accused of supplying weapons and technology to support Moscow’s war effort. He warned that these partnerships are not only prolonging the conflict in Ukraine but also contributing to the spread of advanced weaponry, further destabilizing global security. “Russia is not acting alone,” he said. “Its allies are complicit in this war, and their actions threaten the entire world.”
Ukraine’s Resilience and the Need for Support
Throughout his speech, Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite Russia’s military superiority and relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground, reclaim significant territory, and maintain its resolve to defend its sovereignty. However, Zelenskiy was candid about the toll the war has taken. He spoke of the thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers killed, the millions displaced, and the widespread destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals.
“We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for the values that unite us all,” he said, appealing to the shared principles of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He called on the international community to provide sustained military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine, arguing that such assistance is an investment in global stability. “Every weapon you provide, every dollar you send, every voice raised in support of Ukraine is a step toward preventing a larger catastrophe,” he said.
Zelenskiy also addressed the importance of energy security, a critical issue for Ukraine as Russia has targeted its energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power or heat as winter approaches. He called for international assistance to rebuild Ukraine’s energy grid and protect it from further attacks. “Russia wants to freeze our people into submission,” he said. “We cannot allow them to succeed.”
A Critique of the United Nations
While Zelenskiy’s speech was a call to action, it also contained pointed criticism of the United Nations itself. He expressed frustration with the organization’s inability to enforce its own principles, particularly in light of Russia’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council. As a veto-wielding member, Russia has repeatedly blocked resolutions aimed at addressing its aggression, rendering the Security Council ineffective in responding to the crisis.
“The UN was created to prevent wars like this one,” Zelenskiy said. “Yet, one of its most powerful members is the aggressor. This is a contradiction that undermines the credibility of this institution.” He called for reforms to the UN system, including measures to prevent veto power from being used to shield war crimes and violations of international law. While acknowledging the UN’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, he urged the organization to take a more proactive stance in holding Russia accountable.
The Human Cost of the War
Zelenskiy’s speech was deeply personal at times, as he recounted the human toll of the war. He spoke of families torn apart, children growing up in bomb shelters, and communities devastated by Russian missile strikes. “Every day, I receive reports of new atrocities,” he said. “Mass graves, torture chambers, children abducted from their parents. This is the reality of Russia’s war.” He called for the establishment of an international tribunal to prosecute those responsible for war crimes, emphasizing that justice is a prerequisite for lasting peace.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted the plight of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians detained by Russian forces. He urged the international community to pressure Russia for their release and to ensure that humanitarian corridors are established to deliver aid to occupied territories. “These are not just numbers,” he said. “They are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. They deserve to come home.”
A Vision for Peace
Central to Zelenskiy’s address was his vision for a sustainable peace, which he outlined in Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan. First introduced in 2022, the plan calls for the full withdrawal of Russian forces, the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the release of all prisoners, and guarantees for Ukraine’s security. It also includes provisions for food and energy security, environmental protection, and accountability for war crimes.
Zelenskiy reiterated that the peace plan is not negotiable in its core principles, particularly the restoration of Ukraine’s borders as they existed in 1991, when the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. “There can be no peace without justice,” he said. “And there can be no justice without accountability.” He called on the UN and its member states to endorse the plan and work toward its implementation, emphasizing that it offers a path to end the war while upholding international law.
Global Repercussions of the War
Zelenskiy also addressed the broader global repercussions of the war, particularly its impact on food and energy security. Ukraine, one of the world’s leading grain exporters, has faced significant disruptions to its agricultural sector due to Russian attacks and blockades of its Black Sea ports. These disruptions have driven up global food prices, exacerbating hunger in vulnerable regions such as Africa and the Middle East.
“Russia is weaponizing food,” Zelenskiy said, referring to Moscow’s efforts to block Ukrainian grain exports. He called for the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a UN-brokered deal that has facilitated the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to global markets. While the initiative has faced challenges, including Russian threats to withdraw, Zelenskiy urged the international community to ensure its success. “Hunger should never be a weapon,” he said. “The world’s poorest should not pay the price for Russia’s aggression.”
The war’s impact on energy markets was another key theme. Russia’s manipulation of gas supplies to Europe and its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have contributed to a global energy crisis, driving up prices and straining economies worldwide. Zelenskiy called for a coordinated international response to reduce dependence on Russian energy and invest in renewable alternatives. “Energy security is national security,” he said. “We must work together to build a future where no country can hold the world hostage with its resources.”
A Message to the Russian People
In a rare direct appeal to the Russian people, Zelenskiy urged them to reject their government’s war and demand accountability from their leaders. Speaking in Russian for part of his address, he said, “This war is not in your name. It is not for your future. It is for the ambitions of a few who do not care about your lives.” He called on ordinary Russians to resist conscription, protest against the war, and seek the truth about the conflict despite the Kremlin’s censorship and propaganda.
Zelenskiy’s appeal was a strategic move to highlight the growing discontent within Russia, where economic sanctions, military losses, and domestic repression have fueled public frustration. However, he acknowledged the challenges of reaching the Russian population, given the Kremlin’s tight control over information. “The truth is your weapon,” he said. “Use it to end this senseless war.”
The Role of the United States and NATO
While addressing the UN, Zelenskiy also directed pointed remarks toward the United States and NATO, key allies in Ukraine’s defense. He expressed gratitude for the billions of dollars in military and economic aid provided by the U.S. and its partners but urged them to expedite the delivery of advanced weapons systems, including long-range missiles and air defense systems. “Time is not on our side,” he said. “Every day of delay means more lives lost.”
Zelenskiy’s visit to the U.S. coincided with his efforts to secure additional support from the Biden administration and Congress. He met with U.S. officials to discuss Ukraine’s military needs and to present his “victory plan,” a strategy aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. The plan reportedly includes requests for more sophisticated weaponry, increased sanctions on Russia, and security guarantees to prevent future aggression.
The Ukrainian president also addressed concerns about “Ukraine fatigue” among Western allies, acknowledging that some nations are hesitant to maintain high levels of support due to domestic political pressures or economic challenges. He sought to counter this narrative by framing Ukraine’s fight as a defense of shared values. “When you support Ukraine, you are not just helping us,” he said. “You are protecting your own freedom, your own security, your own future.”
A Rallying Cry for Action
As he concluded his speech, Zelenskiy issued a rallying cry for action, urging world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to end the war. “Words alone will not stop Russia,” he said. “We need action. We need unity. We need courage.” He called for stronger sanctions on Russia, increased military aid to Ukraine, and a global commitment to upholding international law.
Zelenskiy’s address was met with applause from many in the General Assembly, though the response was not universal. Representatives from countries aligned with Russia, including China and several nations in the Global South, remained silent or noncommittal. The divisions within the UN underscored the challenges of achieving consensus on the war, particularly given Russia’s influence and its veto power in the Security Council.
Looking Ahead
Zelenskiy’s speech was a pivotal moment in his ongoing campaign to rally international support for Ukraine. As the war enters its fourth year, the stakes are higher than ever. Ukraine faces mounting challenges, including the need to sustain its military efforts, rebuild its shattered infrastructure, and maintain public morale in the face of relentless Russian attacks. Meanwhile, the international community grapples with the broader implications of the conflict, from energy and food security to the risk of nuclear escalation.
For Zelenskiy, the path forward is clear: Russia must be stopped, and Ukraine must prevail. His address to the UN was both a plea for help and a warning of the consequences of inaction. “The world is watching,” he said. “History will judge us not by our words, but by our actions. Let us choose peace, justice, and humanity. Let us stop this war together.”
As the General Assembly session continues, Zelenskiy’s words are likely to resonate with those advocating for a stronger global response to the crisis. Whether they will translate into meaningful action remains to be seen, but for now, Ukraine’s president has once again demonstrated his ability to command the world’s attention and make the case for his country’s survival.
