Zelenskyj began his speech at the UN General Assembly by talking about the spring morning of 2022 when he received news that Russian forces had fired shots at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
We in Ukraine remember the Chernobyl disaster, said Zelenskyj.
Therefore, one point (in a peace plan) is about security for nuclear power plants, he said during the ongoing debate with heads of state and government.
"Darkness and Cold"
He stated that Russia and President Vladimir Putin are targeting Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure, leaving "our citizens in darkness and cold".
Recently, I received alarming information from our intelligence service: Putin appears to be planning an attack on our nuclear power plants, with the goal of disconnecting the plants from (Ukraine's) power grid.
Zelenskyj also stated that Russia's intentions to use military force do not only concern Ukraine.
All our neighbors fear that the war can come to them as well, said Zelenskyj, who chose to speak in English during the speech.
We are all equal. That is what Russia hates.
Criticizes the Security Council
One problem in the conflict is the power of the UN Security Council, where certain countries have veto power, says Zelenskyj in a criticism of a powerless Security Council where Russia can exercise its veto.
Putin wants to continue spreading fear, says Zelenskyj.
Zelenskyj has already spoken out about the Russian invasion war in Ukraine on several occasions during his visit to the USA. The focus has been clear: Russia must be forced to make peace.
He went even further in his speech on Wednesday afternoon, when he stated that Ukraine "will never accept" an imposed solution to the conflict.
Full Support
Russia has rejected the Ukrainian president's statement. The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia stands firm on the need to complete the so-called special operation – which is the Russian term for the invasion of Ukraine.
But Kiev's allies, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized that support for Ukraine is solid.
Obviously, President Zelenskyj has a plan that he wants to present to us, said Starmer to reporters on Wednesday.
