New York, 19 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used an address before the UN General Assembly to try and solidify support for his country, warning the leaders gathered in New York that Russia poses a threat to the world.

He warned that Moscow's threat to use nuclear weapons was not the most frightening thing about the war against his country.

Russia was "weaponizing" essentials like food and energy, Zelensky said in his fist in-person address to the annual high-level gathering since Moscow invaded Ukraine nearly 19 months ago.

"These things are being used not only against our country, but against all of your countries. There are many conventions that limit the possession and proliferation of weapons, but there are no real restrictions on the use of food, energy, or other things as weapons."

Zelensky suggested Ukraine was fighting not only for its territorial integrity, but for values like freedom and human rights.

"While Russia is pushing the world to the final war, Ukraine is doing everything to ensure that after Russian aggression, no one in the world will dare to attack any nation."

He concluded: "War crimes must be punished. Deported people must come back home. The occupier must return to their own land."

Photo: Zelensky Facebook screenshot