Russia 'can only be forced into peace," Zelenskyy tells UN

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy vows to force Russia into peace settlement at UN, rejects Moscow's terms, pressures Iran and North Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday (September 24, 2024) at the United Nations that Russia can only be forced into a peace settlement, as he vowed not to negotiate on Moscow's terms to end the war.

Addressing a special UN Security Council session attended by a representative of Russia, Mr. Zelenskyy also joined the United States in pressuring Iran and North Korea for alleged military support to Russia.

Zelenskyy, on a trip in which he is presenting his "victory plan" for Ukraine, questioned the sincerity of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has suggested freezing lines of control.

"We know some in the world want to talk to Mr. Putin," Mr. Zelenskyy said, "to possibly hear from him that he's upset because we are exercising our right to defend our people."

Mr. Zelenskyy, clad in his trademark military fatigues, called such views "insanity."

"Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what's needed— forcing Russia into peace," he said.

Mr. Zelenskyy said that any end to Russia's two-year-old invasion has to be based on the UN Charter, which enshrines sovereignty by member states.