By Muhammad Ayub
In a poignant address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Russia, unable to defeat Ukraine militarily, is resorting to tactics aimed at undermining the nation’s spirit by targeting its critical energy infrastructure as winter approaches. “These are deliberate Russian attacks on our power plants and the entire energy grid,” he stated, highlighting the destruction of all Ukrainian thermal power stations and significant portions of hydroelectric capacity.
Zelenskyy described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy as one designed to “torment millions of Ukrainians—ordinary families, women and children—by leaving them in darkness and cold this winter, compelling Ukraine to suffer and surrender.”
Addressing the leaders gathered for the annual debate, Zelenskyy urged them to consider how their own nations would cope if 80 percent of their energy systems were obliterated. “What kind of life will that be?” he asked, pressing the urgency of the situation.
He further revealed intelligence indicating Moscow’s plans to attack Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and their infrastructure, warning that any resulting nuclear disaster would have far-reaching consequences. “If, God forbid, Russia causes a nuclear disaster, radiation won’t respect borders, and various nations could suffer the dire effects,” he cautioned.
Zelenskyy also criticized the UN Security Council’s inability to address the ongoing conflict, pointing out that “when the aggressor wields veto power, the UN is rendered powerless.” He contrasted this with his proposed peace formula, which he claims enjoys support from nearly 100 nations and organizations, emphasizing that it operates without veto powers.
“That’s why it’s the best opportunity for peace—everyone is equal, and it’s both effective and comprehensive,” he declared, noting its focus on nuclear safety, energy security, food security, the return of prisoners of war, and the preservation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
In closing, he condemned “alternatives and half-hearted settlement plans” that overlook the needs and suffering of Ukrainians and provide “Putin the political space to prolong the war.” Zelenskyy reiterated his desire for “real and just peace,” urging global unity in support of Ukraine. “Be united nations, and that will bring us peace,” he concluded.
