Zelensky: "Russia's Child Abductions Are Genocide"... Also Criticizes Weaponization of Food

Ukraine President Delivers Speech at United Nations General Assembly

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, condemned Russia's act of abducting Ukrainian children as 'genocide' during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York on the 19th (local time). He also criticized Russia's weaponization of food and energy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In his speech at the UN Headquarters that day, President Zelensky said, "Russia has abducted tens of thousands of children, and those children in Russia are being educated to hate Ukraine, completely cut off from their families and all connections," calling it "clear genocide." He added, "There is evidence related to this," and said, "The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on these charges."

He also criticized Russia's weaponization of food. President Zelensky stated, "Russia is trying to weaponize food shortages in the global market to gain recognition of all or part of the occupied territories," condemning that "they are weaponizing everything, including food, energy, and children."

Regarding the risk of radioactive leakage from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation, he pointed out, "Russia is weaponizing nuclear energy as well, which targets not only us but also your countries." He emphasized, "Russia has no right to nuclear weapons."

After gaining independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine became the world's third-largest nuclear weapons holder, but the leaders of the government at that time decided to give up nuclear weapons. Instead, in 1994, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum with Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, which guaranteed Ukraine's security against Russian nuclear threats.

President Zelensky said, "Now, more than 140 countries worldwide partially or fully support the peace formula (for ending the war in Ukraine)," and invited heads of state to the ongoing Ukraine peace summit. He emphasized, "Ukraine is doing its best to ensure that no country dares to attack another after Russia's aggression ends," and said, "I hope everyone who opposes aggression will attend the summit."

President Zelensky appealed, "The aggressor must return to their country, and war criminals must be punished," adding, "Those who were displaced must return, and the occupied territories must be restored." He concluded his speech by saying, "We must unite," followed by "Slava Ukraina (Glory to Ukraine)."

This is the first time President Zelensky has attended the UN General Assembly in person since Russia's invasion in February last year. At last year's assembly, he spoke only via video conference.

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