Zelensky warns Russia will face a harsh winter if it keeps hitting Ukraine's energy grid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN General Assembly that Ukraine will make this winter painful for Russia too if Moscow continues attacking Ukraine's power and heating systems.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the coming winter could become difficult not only for Ukraine but for Russia as well, if Moscow does not stop striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure and heating systems.
Zelensky said Ukrainians understand this winter may be very hard for them, but stressed that the country will have no choice but to respond by making the winter equally painful for Russia.
A shift for "General Winter"
Using a vivid metaphor, the president said no Russian official could ever have imagined that "army general Winter," which for centuries fought on Russia's side, might one day switch sides and back those defending themselves against Russia. Zelensky said Ukraine would make this happen this winter if Russia continues attacking the country's power and heat supply systems.
He stressed that this is precisely why steps toward de-escalation are needed before winter arrives. Zelensky also reminded world leaders that Ukraine did not choose this war — it is simply choosing not to die and defending itself.
Earlier in the same address, Zelensky said Russian leader Vladimir Putin is a kind of "patient zero" spreading the idea of war around the world.
