Zelenskyy Urges Leaders to Target Russia’s Revenues at UNGA
At a Glance
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged international leaders to maintain economic pressure on Russia.
- He argued that continued trade with Russia provides resources that prolong the war.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow remains ready for negotiations toward lasting peace.
- The two sides continue long-range drone and missile attacks despite largely unchanged front lines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday to press for continued international pressure on Russia and its ability to finance the war.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- War Financing: “Russia’s revenues must remain a target.” — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Negotiations: “We are prepared to negotiate toward a lasting peace but won’t just ‘pause’ the war.” — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
- Focus Area: Zelenskyy’s appeal centers on restricting Russian revenues and trade as part of efforts to constrain Moscow’s capacity to sustain the war.
Speaking in English, Zelenskyy argued that countries continuing to trade with Russia are providing the financial resources that allow the conflict to continue. He said Ukraine is also targeting Russian sources of revenue as part of its own military campaign.
Zelenskyy also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as a continuing source of conflict and calling for international efforts to prevent the war from spreading further. Putin has not attended the UN gathering in recent years, with Lavrov representing Russia at the assembly.
Lavrov addressed the UN Security Council on Wednesday, saying Russia was prepared to negotiate a lasting settlement but rejecting a temporary pause in fighting. He argued that a pause could give Ukraine and its supporters additional time to acquire and prepare more weapons.
The latest diplomatic positions come as the conflict remains active despite repeated international efforts to secure a settlement. Ukraine and Russia have continued exchanging long-range attacks, with drones and missiles increasingly used against targets far from the front line. Recent attacks have included strikes on energy and other infrastructure.
The conflict has also continued to affect international energy and agricultural markets. Disruptions to fuel, fertilizer, and grain supplies have contributed to broader economic and geopolitical consequences beyond Ukraine and Russia.
FYI
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following years of conflict that began in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The war has since developed into a prolonged conflict involving extensive military, economic, and diplomatic support for Ukraine from Western countries.
The United Nations says continued Russian attacks on critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure have increased vulnerabilities ahead of winter, while diplomatic efforts continue alongside the fighting.
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