WorldSeptember 24, 2026

Zelensky at the U.N.: Fuel, Drones and the Push to End the War

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

de‑escalation/ˌdiːˌɛs.kəˈleɪ.ʃən/

steps to reduce violence or tension

"Leaders spoke about de‑escalation before winter."

revenue/ˈrɛvəˌnjuː/

income, especially money a country or company receives

"The country uses revenue to pay for services."

infrastructure/ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/

basic systems like power, transport and water in a country

"Damage to infrastructure can make winter harder."

ceasefire/ˈsiːsfaɪər/

an agreement to stop fighting for a time

"The leaders discussed a possible energy ceasefire."

Listening

Zelensky at the U.N.: Fuel, Drones and the Push to End the War

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2026. He has warned that rising fuel prices and deadlier drone technology demonstrate the war is spilling beyond Ukraine's borders. Since energy markets are closely linked, higher fuel costs have pushed prices up for households and businesses in many countries.

On the sidelines of the assembly he met with US President Donald Trump, and they discussed steps to seek de‑escalation before winter. "Russia's revenues must remain a target." He added that Ukraine is ready for an energy ceasefire if Moscow ends strikes on power and heating systems, while noting that time is limited.

He urged nations to keep pressure on Russia and to limit the funds that enable the war. Although diplomacy is difficult, he said coordinated action can reduce the global economic pain caused by the fighting.

143 words

Quiz

1. What did Zelensky say shows the war has spilled beyond borders?

2. Who did he meet on the sidelines of the assembly?

3. What did he say must remain a target?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you think world leaders can act quickly to help people before winter? Why or why not?

Have you ever felt the impact of global events on prices where you live?

What do you think about meetings between leaders at big events like the U.N.?

Would you feel safer if countries agreed to pause attacks on energy systems?