Zelensky: Russia is not seriously interested in peace
New York, 22 September 2022 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN General Assembly in New York that Russia is not seriously interested in peace talks as he called for "punishment for aggression."
"Ukraine wants peace. Europe wants peace. The world wants peace. And we have seen who is the only one who wants war," Zelensky said in a pre-recorded video, calling on the international community to punish Russia for its "crimes of aggression against our state."
"They talk about the talks but announce a military mobilization. They talk about the talks but announce pseudo referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine," said Zelensky, who was allowed to address the body remotely due to the war after a motion was approved by UN member states. "Russia wants war."
"Mankind and international law are stronger than one terrorist state. Russia will be forced to stop this war," he said.
The leader also warned of a potential international nuclear disaster in view of the situation at the contested Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.
"Russian radiation blackmail is something that should concern each and every single one of you," Zelensky said forcefully, "because none of you will find a vaccine against radiation sickness."
The Russian-controlled nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, has repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks, raising international concern about a potential nuclear disaster. Moscow and Kiev have blamed each other for the attacks.