Zelensky accuses Russia of genocide, kidnapping kids

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia is carrying out “genocide” by abducting children, in a plea for solidarity to the United Nations General Assembly.

“Those children in Russia are taught to hate Ukraine and all ties with their families are broken. And this is clearly a genocide,” Zelensky says.

In a speech wearing his trademark military fatigues, Zelensky also renews his call for a summit of like-minded nations.

“We are preparing a Global Peace Summit. I invite all of you — all of you who do not tolerate any aggression — to jointly prepare the summit,” Zelensky says.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at United Nations headquarters. (AP/Mary Altaffer)

Zelensky says Russia — a permanent member of the Security Council — cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons.

“Terrorists have no right to hold [a] nuclear weapon,” he says.

He accuses Russia of using both energy and food as a way to pressure the world.

“The aggressor is weaponizing many other things, and those things are used not only against our country but against all of yours as well,” he says.