Zelensky Slams UN as "Powerless", Pushes Ukraine's Peace Plan

In a bold address to the United Nations General Assembly, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, criticized the international body as "powerless" in the face of ongoing conflict. Speaking to world leaders gathered in New York, Zelensky highlighted the UN's limitations in resolving the war in his country, particularly due to Russia's veto power in the Security Council.

The UN, founded in 1945 after World War II, has been a cornerstone of international diplomacy for nearly eight decades. However, its effectiveness in preventing and resolving conflicts has often been questioned, especially when permanent Security Council members are involved.

Zelensky presented Ukraine's "Peace Formula" as the primary solution to end the hostilities. This plan, first introduced at the G20 summit in November 2022, stipulates that peace negotiations can only commence after Russia withdraws all its troops from Ukrainian territory.

"Unfortunately, at the UN, it's impossible to truly and fairly resolve matters of war and peace because too much depends in the Security Council on the veto power. When the aggressor [Russia] exercises the veto power, the UN is powerless to stop the war. But the 'Peace Formula' can."

The Ukrainian leader also unveiled a four-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position:

• Occupation of the Russian region of Kursk
• Use of long-range Western weapons for strikes within Russia
• Security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5
• Commitment to rebuilding Ukraine's war-damaged economy

This strategy represents a significant escalation, as it involves potential military actions on Russian soil. Kursk, a city in western Russia near the Ukrainian border, could become a focal point of this new approach.

Zelensky urged the international community to disregard alternative peace proposals, such as those put forward by China and Brazil. He argued that these plans ignore Ukrainian interests and provide Russia with political leverage to continue the conflict.

The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, has had devastating effects on the country's economy, with GDP falling by 29.1% in 2022. Zelensky's emphasis on rebuilding Ukraine's economy underscores the long-term challenges the nation faces.

As the conflict approaches its third year, the international community remains divided on how to achieve peace. While the UN General Assembly, comprising 193 member states, can make recommendations, it lacks the power to enforce them. This limitation has been a source of frustration for many countries seeking more decisive action in global crises.

Zelensky's address at the UN headquarters in New York City serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict. As world leaders continue to debate the path forward, the Ukrainian president's "Peace Formula" stands as a clear statement of his country's position and determination to end the war on its own terms.