After Joe Biden, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky makes a case against Russia at UN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. He was granted special permission to give the speech in a virtual format. Russian President Vladimir Putin was not attending the session, however, a delegation from Moscow was present.

The ongoing war in Ukraine was at the top of the agenda for many countries. US President Joe Biden slammed Putin’s war on Ukraine, which will enter its seventh month in September.

Also Read: Joe Biden at UNGA says Russia shamelessly violated UN charter

Zelensky’s speech on Wednesday was distinguished by its context. It took place after Moscow’s extraordinary mobilization announcement. It was the first time Zelensky addressed the world’s leaders gathered together since Russia invaded in February.

“We can return the Ukrainian flag to our entire territory. We can do it with the force of arms,” Zelensky said in a speech delivered in English. “But we need time”, he added, according to news agency Associated Press.

Zelensky’s speech on Thursday did not mention Putin’s decision to mobilise 300,000 individuals in military reserves. The announcement was made hours before Zelensky addressed the UN General Assembly.

“They talk about the talks but announce military mobilization. They talk about the talks but announce pseudo-referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine,” he said.

Zelensky asserted that Moscow wants to spend the winter preparing its forces in Ukraine for a new offensive, or at least preparing fortifications while mobilizing more troops in the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.

Also Read: Vladimir Putin announces partial mobilisation: 5 talking points

“Russia wants war. It is true. But Russia will not be able to stop the course of history,” he said, declaring that “mankind and the international law are stronger” than what he called a “terrorist state.”

He also suggested that Russia’s negotiation proposals were only a delaying tactic and that Moscow’s actions speak louder than its words.