Russia weaponising food, energy and children in war against Ukraine, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of weaponizing food, energy and children in its war against Ukraine in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2023. Zelenskyy said that Russia was using food as a weapon by blocking Ukrainian grain exports, which has led to a global food crisis. He also said that Russia was using energy as a weapon by blackmailing European countries with gas cuts. In addition, Zelenskyy accused Russia of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia and of using them as "human shields" in its military operations. "Russia is using food as a weapon against the whole world," Zelenskyy said. "It is blocking Ukrainian ports, preventing grain exports, and creating a global food crisis." "Russia is using energy as a weapon against Europe," Zelenskyy said. "It is blackmailing European countries with gas cuts." "Russia is forcibly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia and using them as human shields," Zelenskyy said. "This is a war crime." Zelenskyy called on the United Nations to take action to stop Russia's war against Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes. He also urged the world to provide more military and financial assistance to Ukraine. "We need your help to stop this war," Zelenskyy said. "We need your help to bring Russia to justice." Zelenskyy's speech was well-received by many delegates at the UN General Assembly. Many delegates praised Zelenskyy for his courage and for his commitment to defending Ukraine.

However, some delegates from countries that are close to Russia criticized Zelenskyy's speech. They argued that Zelenskyy's rhetoric was escalatory and that it would only prolong the war in Ukraine. Despite the criticism, Zelenskyy's speech was a powerful reminder of the need to stand up to Russian aggression. Zelenskyy's words are likely to resonate with people around the world who are concerned about the future of Ukraine and the global peace order.