NEW YORK — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his September 24 address to the United Nations General Assembly to call for increased international pressure on Russia’s finances and military production.
The speech was delivered during the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Focus on Russia’s ability to continue the war
In the official transcript, Zelenskyy argued that reducing Russia’s financial and industrial ability to sustain military operations is necessary to increase pressure for an end to the war.
He also thanked countries providing Ukraine with military and political assistance and described international support as important to Ukraine’s continued defense.
Those statements represent the Ukrainian government’s position on how additional economic and military pressure could affect Russia’s conduct of the war.
Energy and industry
Zelenskyy also referred to damage affecting Russia’s oil-refining sector and cited remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about Russian diesel and refinery infrastructure.
Ukraine has increasingly emphasized Russian energy infrastructure and industrial capacity when arguing for stronger sanctions and other forms of economic pressure.
Diplomatic context
The General Assembly address formed part of a series of meetings by the Ukrainian delegation in New York involving U.S. officials, NATO leadership, foreign governments and business representatives.
The war’s eventual settlement remains the subject of competing diplomatic positions among Ukraine, Russia and other governments. Zelenskyy’s UN address presented Ukraine’s case for continued military support and economic pressure on Russia.