Ukraine's Zelenskyy to attend UN annual meet in-person to woo hesitant countries: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, where he aims to leverage his personal charm to secure international support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Politico.

Zelenskyy's mission is to engage in one-on-one discussions with a range of hesitant countries, particularly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, known collectively as the Global South. His objective is to persuade these nations to align with Kyiv against Moscow.

The Ukrainian leader plans to articulate his case not only through a speech at the UN General Assembly but also by conducting a series of meetings with fellow world leaders. Despite the challenges posed by nations reluctant to take sides, Ukraine believes that rallying support from various corners of the globe is crucial for achieving lasting peace.

Diplomacy amid global impatience

Ukraine is acutely aware of a growing sense of global impatience as the conflict with Russia persists. Zelenskyy's decision to personally attend the UN gathering underscores Ukraine's determination to garner international solidarity.

Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts are part of a broader surge in Ukrainian diplomacy, coinciding with Kyiv's military counteroffensive against Russia. A senior Ukrainian official spoke to Politico, stating, "To secure a comprehensive, long-lasting peace, we need more than Western political support. We have to have many countries on board, including from the Global South because their voices matter."

Two key objectives in New York

During his visit to New York, Zelenskyy has two main tactical goals. Firstly, he seeks support for the 10-point peace proposal that Ukraine has been promoting globally since last fall. While Ukraine understands that not all countries may endorse every point, it hopes to rally support for those aspects that align with the comfort levels of various nations.

Secondly, Zelenskyy aims to address the food security crisis precipitated by Russia's invasion. This crisis has deepened due to Moscow's abandonment of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, impacting the export of Ukrainian agricultural products. Zelenskyy intends to explore alternative export strategies and persuade Global South countries to pressure Russia to halt actions affecting food prices.

Challenges and high-stakes diplomacy

While Zelenskyy's mission is ambitious, it faces significant challenges. Many countries he plans to appeal to maintain economic and security ties with Russia, and some side with Moscow in the conflict. The geopolitics of these negotiations is further complicated by concerns about America and Europe's perceived decline, reported Politico.

Nonetheless, the upcoming UN General Assembly offers a unique platform for Zelenskyy to amplify his message. A potential special UN Security Council session on Ukraine could lead to a rare face-off between Zelenskyy and a Russian representative.