During her speech at the 9th edition of the Estoril Conferences, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska called for international organizations to take responsibility and provide tangible answers to help restore peace in Ukraine. Zelenska highlighted the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children as one of the most painful aspects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, emphasizing that the international community could have done more to prevent such atrocities. She criticized the inaction of international organizations in response to the situation, urging for a reassessment of their effectiveness in addressing conflicts and crises around the world. Zelenska emphasized the importance of translating discussions and reflections into concrete actions to bring about positive change and defend the principles of coexistence in the face of adversity.
Zelenska also highlighted the impact of the Russian invasion on everyday life in Ukraine, illustrating the drastic shift from the ease of travel and daily routines to the urgency and fear brought by war. She described how a Russian missile could destroy a peaceful home in Kharkiv in just 30 seconds, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making in times of crisis. Zelenska emphasized the toll that war takes on individuals and communities, reshaping their understanding of time and forcing them to make critical decisions in seconds while enduring endless suffering. She underscored the importance of addressing the immediate needs of those affected by conflict and working towards a peaceful and sustainable future for all involved.
During her speech, Zelenska thanked Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for his involvement in the global peace summit in Switzerland and acknowledged the presence of East Timor President José Ramos-Horta at the Estoril Conferences. She received a warm welcome and applause from the audience, highlighting the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing conflicts and promoting peace. Zelenska’s call for action and accountability resonated with attendees, who were moved by her impassioned plea for a more responsive and effective approach to addressing humanitarian crises and promoting peace around the world. The Ukrainian First Lady’s powerful words served as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for collective efforts to bring about lasting peace and justice in Ukraine and beyond.
Overall, Zelenska’s speech at the Estoril Conferences underscored the need for international organizations to step up and take action to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and prevent further atrocities from occurring. Her criticism of the inaction of the international community highlighted the need for greater accountability and a renewed commitment to defending the principles of coexistence and human rights in the face of conflict and adversity. Zelenska’s powerful message resonated with attendees, who were inspired by her call for tangible results and concrete actions to bring about positive change in Ukraine and beyond. Her speech served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for solidarity and cooperation to restore peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
