Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the UN Security Council. Zelenskyy attends UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine Peace and Security
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the UN Secretary-General reiterated that “Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol ten years ago – is a clear violation of the principles of the [UN Charter].”
The Suffering of the Ukrainian People
He painted a grim picture of the suffering of the Ukrainian people – casualties, millions of refugees, systematic attacks on hospitals, schools, supermarkets, power outages and damage to civilian infrastructure.
“I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian objects, wherever they occur. Such attacks must stop immediately,” the UN chief stressed.
He expressed concern about the situation of people living in the territories of Ukraine that are currently occupied by the Russian Federation.
Humanitarian Aid
Despite enormous difficulties, the United Nations is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This year alone, more than 6.2 million people have received it. But this is not enough, the UN chief stressed: 15 million Ukrainians need support, more than half of them are women and girls.
The Secretary-General reported that to date the UN has received less than half of the amount requested for humanitarian operations in 2024, and called on donors to help.
Nuclear Safety
Touching upon the issue of the safety of nuclear facilities, the Secretary-General noted with concern that in recent weeks “inflammatory rhetoric” had resurfaced. He praised the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency, calling on “all parties to act responsibly and to avoid any statements or actions that could further destabilize an already explosive situation.”
Calls for Dialogue
“While the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am encouraged by the growing calls for dialogue,” António Guterres stressed. “So let us intensify our efforts to find peace for Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace consistent with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.” The United Nations is ready to support all efforts aimed at achieving this goal, the Secretary General concluded his speech.
Zelensky: “This war cannot be stopped by negotiations”
Speaking at the UN Security Council, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s war against his country “will end because the UN Charter will work.” “It must work,” he added.
Zelensky said Russia could not explain why its missile hit a ship in the Black Sea or why Russian missiles were detected in the airspace of Poland and other countries. Russian bombs hit residential buildings, including, for example, buildings where bread is baked, the president said.
He also said Russia had no legal grounds to implicate Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea as accomplices. “We are exercising our right to defend our people,” he continued. “Russia’s actions cannot be justified by the UN Charter. Russia is committing an international crime. That is why this war cannot be stopped by negotiations.”
“Russia can only be forced to peace,” he said, “and that is exactly what needs to be done… We all know what needs to be done. Unity always works for the good of peace.”
The Ukrainian president noted that Russia is striking nuclear power plants ahead of winter and thanked the countries that support his country.
Russia: Ukraine must repeal “discriminatory laws”
A fair and sustainable settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is impossible without eliminating its root causes, said Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya. First of all, according to him, it is about “eliminating violations of the rights of the Russian-speaking population and repealing other discriminatory laws in Ukraine.”
“Today, we hear calls from different sides for a political and diplomatic solution based on the UN Charter. However, without overcoming the “legacy of Maidan”, eradicating nationalism, Nazism and other manifestations of discrimination in Ukraine, respecting the rights and fundamental freedoms for all, regardless of race, gender, language and religion in accordance with Article 1.3 of the Charter, no settlement will be possible,” the diplomat added.
He also emphasized that in addition to the provisions on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the UN Charter also contains the principle of self-determination of peoples. “We must never forget this, nor the responsibility of governments for all citizens of their states without exception,” Nebenzya noted.
Material is being updated…