Zelensky to urge accountability for Russia at UN General Assembly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. His speech is expected to be another attempt to draw the world's attention to the war Russia continues to wage against Ukraine.

The president plans to renew his appeal to the international community for greater support in Ukraine's fight against the aggressor. Zelensky is expected to stress the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed against Ukrainians since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Pressure on Moscow

The Ukrainian leader's main goal is to increase international pressure on Russia to the point where Moscow is forced to end the fighting as quickly as possible. The address comes during the UN's annual high-level week, when heads of state and government gather in New York to discuss the most pressing international issues.

The war in Ukraine has for several years been one of the central topics in the General Assembly's debates, and Zelensky's appearance this year is seen as another opportunity to speak directly to the global community. No specific new decisions or initiatives to be announced during the speech have been made public so far, but the president is expected to try to strengthen the international coalition backing Ukraine and to highlight the need for justice for those affected by the war.