On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a significant conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing a trio of pressing international concerns: a proposed UN resolution to address the plight of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, the escalating nuclear safety risks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to broker peace in Gaza. The dialogue underscored Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to navigate its complex geopolitical challenges while seeking global support for its humanitarian and security crises. The discussion, detailed by Zelenskyy on his Telegram channel, highlighted Ukraine’s proactive stance in rallying international cooperation to resolve these issues and mitigate their far-reaching consequences.
A UN Resolution for Ukrainian Children
One of the central topics of the conversation was Ukraine’s push for a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at securing the return of thousands of Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of this humanitarian crisis, noting that the resolution would be a critical step toward addressing the forced displacement of Ukrainian minors. “We discussed the Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the resolution Ukraine is preparing for the General Assembly,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “We count on the world’s support for the need to return all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.”
The issue of abducted Ukrainian children has been a deeply emotive and politically charged matter since the war began. Ukrainian authorities estimate that tens of thousands of children have been forcibly taken from occupied territories in Ukraine to Russia, often under the pretext of “evacuation” or “protection.” Kyiv alleges that these children are subjected to re-education programs, forced adoptions, or placement in Russian foster care systems, actions that Ukraine and its allies argue constitute war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of orchestrating the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. These warrants marked a historic step in holding Russian leadership accountable, though their enforcement remains uncertain given Russia’s non-membership in the ICC.
Zelenskyy’s call for a UN resolution reflects Ukraine’s strategy to elevate the issue on the global stage, leveraging the moral and legal authority of the United Nations to pressure Russia into compliance. The resolution, which Ukraine plans to present later in 2025, is expected to call for the immediate return of the children, the establishment of mechanisms to track and reunite them with their families, and international oversight to ensure compliance. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is actively collaborating with other nations to build a coalition of support for the resolution, a process that involves diplomatic outreach to both Western allies and countries in the Global South, many of which have maintained neutral stances in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, referenced by Zelenskyy, is part of a broader effort to galvanize international action. The coalition, which includes representatives from governments, NGOs, and international organizations, aims to coordinate efforts to locate and repatriate the children while documenting evidence of their abductions for potential legal proceedings. The initiative has garnered support from countries like the United States, Canada, and members of the European Union, but Ukraine faces challenges in persuading nations with closer ties to Russia to join the cause. The resolution’s success will depend on Ukraine’s ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the UN General Assembly, where geopolitical rivalries often influence voting patterns.
Russia, for its part, has consistently denied allegations of abducting Ukrainian children, claiming that its actions were humanitarian in nature. Russian officials argue that children were evacuated from active conflict zones in eastern Ukraine to protect them from the dangers of war. Moscow has also accused Ukraine and its Western allies of politicizing the issue to smear Russia’s reputation. These competing narratives have created a contentious backdrop for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, as Russia’s veto power in the UN Security Council limits the prospects for binding resolutions. By focusing on the General Assembly, where no veto exists, Ukraine hopes to secure a broad consensus that can exert moral and political pressure on Russia.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Crisis
Another critical issue raised during Zelenskyy’s conversation with Guterres was the precarious situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been under Russian control since March 2022. Zelenskyy highlighted a recent seven-day blackout at the plant—the longest in its history—caused by Russian shelling, which severed its connection to external power sources. “It is important that the world is aware of the potential consequences,” Zelenskyy said, urging the international community to respond appropriately to the growing nuclear risks.
The Zaporizhzhia plant, located in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, has been a focal point of international concern since Russian forces seized it early in the war. The facility, which houses six nuclear reactors, relies on a stable power supply to cool its reactors and prevent a potential meltdown. Repeated shelling in the area has damaged critical infrastructure, including power lines and backup systems, raising fears of a nuclear catastrophe. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), led by Director-General Rafael Grossi, has repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by the plant’s precarious situation, describing it as “unprecedented” in the history of nuclear energy.
The seven-day blackout described by Zelenskyy underscores the fragility of the plant’s operational environment. Without external power, the facility must rely on diesel generators to maintain cooling systems, a stopgap measure that is unsustainable and vulnerable to fuel shortages or mechanical failures. A failure to maintain cooling could lead to a reactor meltdown, releasing radioactive material into the atmosphere and potentially affecting large swathes of Europe. The 1986 Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in Ukraine under Soviet control, serves as a grim reminder of the stakes involved.
Zelenskyy’s appeal for an international response reflects Ukraine’s frustration with the limited progress in securing the plant. The IAEA has deployed monitoring teams to Zaporizhzhia, but their ability to operate is constrained by the ongoing conflict and Russian control of the facility. Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of shelling the plant, a claim Kyiv vehemently denies, asserting that Russia’s occupation and militarization of the site are the root causes of the instability. The blame game has complicated efforts to establish a demilitarized zone around the plant, a proposal supported by the IAEA and the UN but stalled by disagreements between Russia and Ukraine.
The broader implications of the Zaporizhzhia crisis extend beyond Ukraine’s borders. A nuclear incident would have catastrophic environmental, humanitarian, and geopolitical consequences, potentially drawing in NATO countries and escalating the conflict. Zelenskyy’s call for global awareness is an attempt to rally support for stronger international intervention, possibly through sanctions, diplomatic pressure, or UN-led initiatives to secure the plant’s safety. However, the path forward remains uncertain, as Russia’s control of the facility and its unwillingness to cede ground complicate any resolution.
Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal
In addition to the Ukrainian-focused issues, Zelenskyy and Guterres discussed the situation in Gaza and U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire initiative. “This is a strong initiative, and we are ready to contribute to make the peace proposals work,” Zelenskyy stated, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to engage in international efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion reflects Ukraine’s broader ambition to position itself as a constructive player in global diplomacy, even as it grapples with its own existential challenges.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan, announced in 2025, builds on his administration’s earlier efforts to broker agreements in the Middle East, such as the Abraham Accords. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the release of all hostages taken during the October 2023 attack by Hamas, a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors to address the dire humanitarian situation in the region. The plan also envisions long-term negotiations to address governance and reconstruction in Gaza, though details on these aspects remain vague.
Zelenskyy’s endorsement of the initiative is notable, given Ukraine’s limited direct involvement in Middle Eastern affairs. However, his support aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy of aligning with Western-led initiatives to bolster its standing as a reliable partner in global security. By expressing readiness to contribute, Zelenskyy may be signaling Ukraine’s willingness to provide diplomatic support, share expertise from its own experience with conflict and humanitarian crises, or participate in multilateral forums addressing the Gaza situation.
The Gaza conflict, which escalated dramatically in 2023, has been a source of global concern due to its high civilian toll and the risk of regional destabilization. The war has displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and strained humanitarian resources, prompting calls for international intervention. Trump’s proposal has been met with cautious optimism by some parties but skepticism by others, particularly given the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of implementing a sustainable ceasefire. Zelenskyy’s conversation with Guterres suggests that the UN may play a role in facilitating discussions or monitoring any agreement, though the specifics of Ukraine’s potential contributions remain unclear.
Broader Context and Implications
Zelenskyy’s dialogue with Guterres comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, as it navigates the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The war has devastated Ukraine’s economy, displaced millions of its citizens, and strained its resources, yet Kyiv remains steadfast in its pursuit of international support. The issues discussed—abducted children, nuclear safety, and global peace initiatives—reflect the interconnected nature of Ukraine’s challenges and its efforts to maintain global attention on its plight.
The proposed UN resolution on Ukrainian children is a testament to Ukraine’s determination to address the war’s humanitarian toll. The abductions represent not only a violation of international law but also a profound personal tragedy for thousands of families. By framing the issue as a global concern, Ukraine seeks to universalize its struggle, appealing to the shared values of child protection and human rights. The success of the resolution will depend on Ukraine’s ability to build a broad coalition, a task complicated by the polarized state of international politics.
The Zaporizhzhia crisis, meanwhile, underscores the war’s potential to unleash catastrophic consequences beyond Ukraine’s borders. The plant’s vulnerability highlights the dangers of conducting military operations near critical infrastructure, a concern that resonates with global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and accidents. Zelenskyy’s call for an “appropriate response” may include demands for stronger IAEA oversight, sanctions on Russian entities involved in the plant’s occupation, or renewed diplomatic efforts to demilitarize the area. However, Russia’s intransigence and the ongoing intensity of the conflict make these goals difficult to achieve.
Zelenskyy’s engagement with the Gaza peace proposal reflects Ukraine’s broader ambition to contribute to global stability, even as it fights for its own survival. By aligning with Western-led initiatives, Ukraine reinforces its position as a partner in the international order, potentially strengthening its case for continued military and economic support. The Gaza discussion also highlights the interconnected nature of global conflicts, as crises in Europe and the Middle East compete for attention and resources.
Challenges and Prospects
The issues raised in Zelenskyy’s conversation with Guterres are emblematic of the broader challenges facing the international community in 2025. The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, shows no signs of resolution, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The abduction of Ukrainian children, the nuclear risks at Zaporizhzhia, and the complexities of the Gaza conflict all underscore the difficulty of addressing humanitarian and security crises in an era of geopolitical division.
For Ukraine, the path forward involves balancing immediate needs—such as securing the return of abducted children and protecting critical infrastructure—with long-term goals, such as rebuilding the country and integrating into Western institutions like NATO and the EU. Zelenskyy’s diplomatic outreach, as evidenced by his conversation with Guterres, is a key component of this strategy. By engaging with the UN and other international bodies, Ukraine seeks to maintain pressure on Russia while rallying support from a diverse array of nations.
The UN resolution on Ukrainian children faces significant hurdles, including Russia’s likely opposition and the challenge of securing votes from non-aligned countries. Similarly, resolving the Zaporizhzhia crisis requires cooperation between parties that are currently at war, a daunting prospect given the lack of trust between Russia and Ukraine. The Gaza peace initiative, while promising, must navigate the entrenched interests of Israel, Hamas, and regional powers, as well as the logistical challenges of implementing a ceasefire in a volatile environment.
Despite these challenges, Zelenskyy’s proactive engagement with global leaders signals Ukraine’s resilience and determination. The conversation with Guterres is part of a broader diplomatic offensive that includes outreach to the United States, European allies, and partners in the Global South. By addressing issues of global concern—such as nuclear safety and child protection—Ukraine positions itself as a responsible actor on the world stage, even as it fights for its survival.
Conclusion
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s discussion with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 30, 2025, highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing Ukraine and the broader international community. From the humanitarian crisis of abducted Ukrainian children to the nuclear risks at Zaporizhzhia and the complexities of the Gaza peace process, the conversation underscored the interconnected nature of global security. Ukraine’s push for a UN resolution, its warnings about Zaporizhzhia, and its support for Trump’s Gaza initiative reflect a strategic effort to address immediate crises while building long-term alliances.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to shape global geopolitics, Zelenskyy’s leadership remains a critical factor in maintaining international focus on Ukraine’s plight. The outcomes of the proposed UN resolution, the efforts to secure Zaporizhzhia, and Ukraine’s contributions to global peace initiatives will depend on sustained diplomatic engagement and the willingness of the international community to act. For now, Zelenskyy’s conversation with Guterres serves as a reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for collective action to address the world’s most pressing challenges.