UNGA: Zelenskyy demands Russia face ‘punishment’ for invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian leader received special permission to speak via recorded video message

In perhaps the most anticipated speech of this year’s UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded that Russia face “punishment” for its invasion of Ukraine.

“A crime has been committed against Ukraine,” he told the 193-member General Assembly in a recorded message. “We demand just punishment.”

Wearing what has become his trademark military green T-shirt, Mr Zelenskyy outlined a five-step guide that he said would lead to peace.

The “Ukrainian peace formula”, as Mr Zelenskyy referred to it, consists of punishment, the protection of life, a return of territorial integrity, security guarantees and determination.

The wartime leader called on the assembly to strip Russia of its seat on the Security Council and revoke its membership privileges.

“We shouldn't turn a blind eye to propagandists who justify aggression, but apply a full package of personal restrictions against them,” he said.

Among the punishments he called for was denying Russian citizens the right to “enjoy tourism”.

Ukraine war latest — in pictures

Ukrainian firefighters at a thermal power plant damaged by a Russian missile strike, in Kharkiv. Reuters

Rescuers in Kharkiv extinguish a fire after a rocket strike. EPA

Ukrainian soldiers and local officials are greeted by residents with hugs and handshakes in the village of Kozacha. Reuters

The charred remains of a Russian tank in territory retaken by Ukraine in the Kharkiv region. AP

Half-submerged Russian tanks amid the Ukrainian counter-offensive in Kharkiv. AFP

A Russian poster is pulled from a billboard to reveal a poem by Ukrainian Taras Shevchenko in Balakliia, Kharkiv. Reuters

Ukrainian troops in the recently retaken settlement of Vasylenkove. Reuters

Charred armoured cars litter the road in Balakliia. AFP

A burnt-out tank in Kharkiv region. AFP

Ukrainian flags are placed on statues in a square in Balakliia. AFP

Shell holes pepper the Misto entertainment complex in Kharkiv. EPA

Fixing windows in the damaged Misto complex. EPA

Mr Zelenskyy once again renewed his pleas for military and financial assistance as he asked member countries for more weapons.

“Offensive weapons and long-range ones are enough to liberate our land,” he said.

Ukraine has benefited greatly from Nato support throughout the war, with the US alone sending more than $13 billion in military aid, including a host of anti-tank missile systems.

The Ukrainian president's speech comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin called up 300,000 reserve troops in an effort to turn the tide of conflict.

In September alone, Ukrainian forces have retaken more than 6,000 square kilometres of territory from Russia.

About 9,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the seven-month-long conflict, with thousands more injured.

On Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu said that Russia had lost about 6,000 soldiers since the fighting started, though western estimates have put that number significantly higher.

Mr Zelenskyy made clear that Ukraine was prepared to continue fighting until the end but that it preferred peace.

“I rule out that the settlement can happen on a different basis than the Ukrainian peace formula,” he said. “The further the Russian terror reaches, the less likely it is that anyone in the world will agree to sit at a table with them.”

The speech by the Ukrainian leader, who has won plaudits for his ability to galvanise citizens to defend their country, was met with a standing ovation from the delegates in attendance, a rare sign of respect and admiration in the normally tranquil hall.

Protests against mobilisation of reservists in Moscow — in pictures

Demonstrators against Russia's partial mobilisation during the war in Ukraine come face to face with a riot policeman in Saint Petersburg. AFP

A woman protester is detained during a demonstration in Moscow. AFP

A protester is carried away from a demonstration in Moscow by police dressed in riot gear. AFP

Police and protesters confront each other in Saint Petersburg. AFP

Police officers detain demonstrators in Saint Petersburg. AFP

A demonstrator struggles with police in an attempt to prevent a fellow protester from being arrested. AP

Riot police detain a demonstrator in Moscow, Russia. AP

Russian law enforcement officers detain a person during an unsanctioned rally after opposition activists called for street protests against the mobilisation. Reuters

Riot police detain a demonstrator during a protest. AP

Demonstrators are detained during a protest against the mobilisation in Moscow. AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation of reservists, effective immediately. AP

Mr Putin's announcement follows humiliating setbacks for his troops nearly seven months after invading Ukraine. AP

Russian police officers detain a participant during an unsanctioned rally. Reuters

Russian police officers detain a protester. Reuters

The protests followed the announcement of the mobilisation of reservists. AP

Russian police officers detain a person during an unsanctioned rally. Reuters

About 300,000 reservists will be mobilised. Reuters

Jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny called for mass demonstrations against the mobilisation. AFP

The announcement led to flights out of Russia quickly selling out. AFP

Russians said some people were already receiving call-up notices and police were barring men from leaving one city in the south. Reuters

Mr Putin’s decree authorising the partial mobilisation, which took effect immediately, offered few details, raising suspicions that the draft could be broadened at any moment. AP