As global leaders converge on New York for the United Nations General Assembly, the perception is that the world faces greater instability than in recent memory, marked by numerous nations engaged in armed conflicts and a decline in democratic principles and freedom.

Within this context of formidable global issues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to speak at the U.N. tomorrow, continuing his annual tradition since Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It is now more crucial than ever that Ukraine maintains its prominent position in international discussions.

Recent years have witnessed significant disruptions, ranging from to . Substantial shifts in U.S. policy, occurring after President Donald Trump’s re-election, have impacted Ukraine’s defenses and transferred accountability to Europe and its other Western allies, who now face considerable pressure to maintain solidarity against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expansionist aims.

Russia’s relentless aggression against Ukraine, however, has remained constant.

Russian forces continue to inflict harm and fatalities upon women, children, and the elderly, often with regularity and without consequence. Missile strikes persist in targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, while the most recent display of aggression involved and airspace violations by Russian drones. These incidents further indicate that recent unsuccessful diplomatic endeavors, rather than moderating Putin’s objectives, have merely encouraged him to pursue progressively more audacious provocations to assess the West’s determination.

Although Western censure of Putin’s conduct is widespread, it is still unclear how much additional aggression will be required for America and Europe to re-establish unity and challenge Putin using all available resources, including robust and rigorously implemented sanctions against Russia’s war economy, asset freezes, and unwavering military aid. This is the sole method to compel Putin to engage in peace talks.

Regardless of future events, the immense sacrifices already made by Ukraine’s courageous populace cannot be reversed. Now in its fourth year, the conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, both on the frontlines and within civilian communities nationwide. Over 80,000 Ukrainians require prosthetic limbs due to the war. This number is expected to rise considerably, given that Ukraine is currently the world’s most landmine-affected nation, with nearly 30% of its land—an area exceeding the size of Greece—contaminated.

The widespread threat posed by extensive landmine contamination to civilians is difficult to exaggerate. From Cambodia to Afghanistan, landmine contamination has caused trauma across whole generations, and the impact on Ukraine is already substantial. A landmine can detonate in merely three seconds (the equivalent average time people spend on a social media post). Envision the need to bid farewell to your loved ones in just three seconds. Now consider the remarkable fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the “” who are defending everyone.

The atrocities of war are undeniable, and we must consistently bring attention to the daily plight of millions of courageous Ukrainians. Their battle was not of their choosing, nor was their anguish predetermined.

Currently, the onus of responsibility lies solely with Putin. He possesses the power to conclude this conflict immediately, and he must be held accountable for the devastation he has caused. To achieve this, each of us must contribute. Let us stand united with Ukraine, ensure their struggle remains a global focus, and demonstrate that collectively, we can forge a more desirable, liberated world where national independence and self-governance hold true significance.