Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that negotiations alone will not end the war in Ukraine, and Russia must be “forced into peace” as the sole aggressor and violator of the UN Charter. Zelenskyy is rallying support for a “victory plan” to end the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Despite proposals for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, Zelenskyy made it clear that the war will not end through fatigue or deals with Putin. Russia currently occupies less than 20% of Ukraine and continues its advance on the eastern front line.
At the meeting, attended by representatives of 14 member nations, Russia’s absence was noted. The Russian Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the spotlight given to Zelenskyy, calling Western countries out for continuously bringing up the Ukrainian issue.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the US coincides with the upcoming presidential election in November, where Vice President Kamala Harris faces off against former President Donald Trump, who is viewed as more skeptical of Ukraine. Zelenskyy also accused North Korea and Iran of arming Russia, labeling them as Moscow’s “de facto accomplices.”
The issue of weapon supplies also led to a clash between Chinese and American diplomats, with the US accusing China of providing materials for Russia’s war machine. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi denied the accusations, stressing China’s commitment to peace in Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the organization’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Russia’s actions as a clear violation of the UN Charter. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing conflict and hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
