Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a powerful statement at the United Nations Security Council, declaring that negotiations alone will not end the war in Ukraine and that Russia must be “forced into peace.” Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia, which invaded in February 2022, is the “sole aggressor” and “sole violator” of the UN Charter.
Zelenskyy is rallying support for his “victory plan” to end the war, rejecting proposals to cede territory to Russia. He criticized North Korea and Iran for providing arms to Russia, calling them “de facto accomplices.” Investigative reports have uncovered debris from North Korean weaponry in Ukraine, although Iran’s President denied allegations that their country is supplying missiles to Russia.
The meeting also saw confrontations between US and Chinese diplomats regarding allegations that China is aiding Russia militarily. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused China of providing machine tools and microelectronics to Russia, fueling its aggression. However, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected the accusations, stating that attempts to shift blame onto China are baseless.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter. He condemned Russia’s invasion as a clear violation of international law, following the illegal annexation of Crimea a decade ago.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the US coincides with the upcoming presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris faces former President Donald Trump. The situation in Ukraine may have a significant impact on their foreign policy approaches.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
