Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has raised concerns about Russia’s efforts to weaponize essential commodities, such as global food and energy markets, during his address to the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy stated that in addition to the ongoing nuclear threat, Russia is using these tactics “not only against our country but all of yours as well.”
He pointed out that since the start of the conflict, Russian actions have disrupted Ukrainian ports in the Black and Azov seas and targeted its ports on the Danube River with drones and missiles. These actions are seen as attempts to weaponize food shortages on the global market in exchange for recognition of captured territories. Zelenskyy noted that this weaponization has global repercussions, affecting regions from Africa to Southeast Asia.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while nuclear threats are a concern, the weaponization of essential commodities, such as food and energy, is equally alarming. He called for international attention to this form of weaponization and highlighted the need for conventions to address it.
The Ukrainian President also raised concerns about Russia’s mass kidnapping and deportation of Ukrainian children, describing it as a clear case of genocide. He noted that these children are taught to hate Ukraine, and their ties with their families in Ukraine are severed.
Zelenskyy announced that he would present a Ukrainian peace formula at the UN Security Council, aiming to provide a framework for ending the aggression in Ukraine on terms set by the victimized country. He called for unity among nations and emphasized Ukraine’s determination to ensure that no nation dares to launch such aggression in the future.
He concluded by stating that Russia’s actions are pushing the world closer to a final war, and Ukraine is committed to preventing future conflicts, punishing war crimes, and ensuring the return of displaced people and occupiers to their respective lands.