Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Wednesday, September 24, sharply criticized the United Nations, describing it as a feeble institution incapable of halting war as his nation continues its three-and-a-half-year struggle against Russian invading forces.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelensky cautioned that the platform serves only for rhetoric and lacks the capacity for impactful action.
“Nations can speak about their pain from stages like this, but even during bloodshed, there isn’t a single international institution that can truly stop it,” he said. “That’s how weak these institutions have become.” He further stated, “And because international institutions are too weak, this madness continues… Weapons decide who survives.”
The Ukrainian leader contended that a new arms race is now shaping interactions between nations, highlighting the diminished authority of international forums in upholding peace and security. Russia, which possesses a veto in the U.N. Security Council, has repeatedly obstructed binding resolutions that could enforce sanctions or permit military action.
Zelensky’s speech follows a diplomatic success after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day.
On Tuesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he endorses Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim all territories currently held by Russia, marking a shift from his prior stance suggesting Kyiv might need to surrender land to achieve peace.
In his address to the U.N., U.S. President Trump floated the idea of applying additional economic pressure on Russia but tied any U.S. action to Europe’s commitment to participate, a proposal facing considerable bureaucratic and political obstacles across the continent.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli