Zelensky: "Russia, under 'mobilization order,' does not want peace... Security Council veto must be removed"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, who delivered a speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the 21st (local time), said, "Russia wants war." He pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s move to issue a partial military mobilization order shows that he is not serious about negotiations to end the war. President Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s veto power in the UN Security Council should be revoked.

According to AP News and others, President Zelensky said in a virtual speech during the general debate of the 77th UN General Assembly that he held 88 meetings to prevent war with Russia since shortly after his inauguration. He said, "Russia launched a full-scale invasion," and emphasized, "Even now, when Russia talks about negotiations, it is only when they want to delay their retreat."

President Zelensky pointed out, "They (Russia) say they are holding talks, but they issue military mobilization orders and announce referendums (for annexation to Russia) in Russian-occupied areas including Donbas." He said, "We will push the aggressors out of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory."

President Zelensky demanded just punishment for Russia’s crimes as the top priority condition for ending the war. He urged, "If the aggressor is a decision-maker in international organizations, they need to be isolated from them," calling for the revocation of Russia’s veto power in the UN Security Council. He also demanded the establishment of a special tribunal for Russia and war reparations.

On this day, President Zelensky wore an olive-colored sleeveless T-shirt, which has become his trademark since the war, during his speech. Behind him in the conference room, the Ukrainian flag was displayed, and the UN flag appeared on a large screen as a video. After his 25-minute speech ended, most of the General Assembly attendees stood and applauded for nearly a minute.

AP evaluated that President Zelensky’s speech was impressive not only in content but also in context. According to UN General Assembly rules, heads of state participating in the general debate must deliver speeches in person, but President Zelensky was granted an exception to speak virtually considering the ongoing war, making him the only one to do so.

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution on this matter on the 16th, but Russia, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria voted against it.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.