Zelenskyy Urges Global Coalition to Confront Russia Amid UN Security Council Address
In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a united effort among nations to compel Russia into peace. He emphasized that President Vladimir Putin has breached the core tenets of the UN, asserting that the ongoing conflict cannot simply be resolved through dialogue. During his remarks, Zelenskyy, speaking to a council that includes Russia as a permanent member, accused Moscow of committing international crimes through its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical energy infrastructure. He also alleged to have evidence that Putin plans to target three of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to further cripple the nation's energy grid.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards Ukraine's allies while extending a plea to countries such as Brazil, India, and nations across Africa and Latin America, urging them to exert more pressure on Russia to cease hostilities. He maintained that the participation of all nations is essential for achieving peace, regardless of their current relations with Moscow. Many of these countries have historically held economic or diplomatic ties with Russia, casting doubt on Zelenskyy's call for action due to their alignment with Putin's narrative that the West provoked the crisis.
"We know some in the world want to talk to Putin... But what could they possibly hear from him?" Zelenskyy asked skeptically, underscoring the futility of negotiations when faced with Russia's aggression. He characterized the situation as insane, highlighting the need for a stronger stance against the Kremlin's actions.
Later in the week, Zelenskyy is expected to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss a 'victory plan' aimed at ending the war through increased Western support. Zelenskyy insists that merely discussing peace would not suffice, stating, "This war can't be conquered by talks. Action is needed," and asserting that Russia can only be coerced into peace due to its multiple violations of international law.
In a recent ABC interview, the Ukrainian president expressed optimism about nearing the end of the conflict but acknowledged the pressing need for Western assistance to secure a victory. He reiterated his demand for the U.S. and the U.K. to lift restrictions on the usage of long-range missiles against deep Russian targets, despite concerns from the Biden administration regarding potential escalation.
"I think that we are closer to peace than we think," Zelenskyy remarked, underlining the urgency for comprehensive support from allies. He reiterated that the strengthening of Ukraine is crucial for achieving their goals and ensuring a future without war.
During the Security Council session, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the urgency of addressing Russia's increasing cooperation with Iran and North Korea, stating that both countries are supplying arms that help sustain Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. He urged the council to back a just peace that aligns with UN principles.
Blinken noted the intelligence that revealed Iran's provision of drones and ballistic missiles to Russia, a partnership he claimed includes the sharing of nuclear technology. Simultaneously, he accused North Korea of shipping extensive quantities of weapons and ammunition to support the Russian campaign. Furthermore, he criticized China, indicating that it plays a significant role in supplying essential goods and technology needed by Russia to amplify its war efforts.
Despite presenting the war as a fundamental security challenge, Blinken offered little insight into plans for constructing a diplomatic coalition to address the situation, particularly given that two of the accused nations sit on the Security Council itself.
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