Since the start of the war, Ukrainian ports in the Black and Azov Seas have been blockaded by Russia and its ports on the Danube have been targeted by drones and missiles, he said.
“It is a clear Russian attempt to weaponize the food shortage on the world market in exchange for recognition of some, if not all, conquered territories.”
Just as scary as nuclear weapons
The impact of that weaponization can be seen from Africa to Southeast Asia, he said.
“Nukes aren’t the scariest thing there is. Mass destruction is gaining momentum. The aggressor is weaponizing many other things… things that are used not only against our country, but against yours as well,” he said, adding:
“There are many conventions against weapons, but none against the weaponization … of the global food and energy supply.”
President Zelensky further said that while Russia undermines the Black Sea Initiative, Ukraine continues to support it to ensure food security worldwide, launching a temporary maritime corridor from its ports and working to safeguard land routes for grain exports.
Hate doesn’t stop at one country
He added that Russia carried out mass kidnappings and deportations of Ukrainian children, amounting to genocide. In Russia, he continued, children are taught to hate Ukraine and all ties with their families are severed.
“When hatred is unleashed against one nation, it never stops there,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader also said that he will present in the Security Council on Wednesday a Ukrainian peace formula that will serve as a framework to end the aggression, on terms set by the affected country in an open manner.
Urging unity between countries President Zelenskyy said that while Russia is “pushing the world towards the last war,” Ukraine is doing everything it can to ensure that after this Russian aggression “no one in the world will dare to attack any nation.”
“Every nation must be restrained, war crimes must be punished, deported people must return home and the occupying forces must return to their own country,” he said.
Full statement available here.