Ukraine-Russia War: In a dramatic video address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky asked that the world punish Russia, accusing Moscow of flouting fundamental international principles.
Zelensky, the only leader permitted to virtually address the conference, outlined what he called his prerequisites for peace and called for “retribution” of Russia for its invasion 15 times.
“Ukraine demands retaliation for attempting to take our land. retribution for the number of killings committed. punishment for cruel treatment of both men and women, “In a previously recorded video, Zelensky spoke in English.
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Zelensky received a rare standing ovation at the General Assembly, which has returned in person after two years of pandemic restrictions, while wearing his trademark green military T-shirt.
Zelensky demanded the creation of a special court to prosecute Russia, claiming it would send “a signal to other would-be aggressors.”
Additionally, he called for a fund for compensation, claiming that Russia “should pay for this conflict with its own assets.”
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His speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin called up reservists and implied the use of nuclear weapons, showing that he is not eager to put an end to the conflict.
Insisting that Russia only used diplomacy to purchase time on the battlefield, Zelensky made it clear that he saw no benefit to holding quick discussions.
“Real negotiations scare Russia, and it has no interest in carrying out any justifiable international commitments. It lies to everyone, as is customary for terrorists and aggressors.”
Enthusing about UN reform
Zelensky has come to represent opposition in the West, which has responded by imposing severe sanctions against Russia and providing Ukraine with billions of dollars’ worth of military hardware.
However, the former actor seemed aware of the anger in the developing world at the emphasis on Ukraine. He demanded that Russia lose its veto power and cited the absence of representatives from Africa and Latin America on the Security Council.
By promising an additional $2.9 billion to address global food insecurity, which has significantly exacerbated since the invasion of Ukraine, a significant grain exporter, Biden also attempted to win over the developing world.
Additionally, he backed the idea of giving Africa and Latin America seats on the Security Council.
Biden told the General Assembly that “Russia has blatantly broken the essential principles of the United Nations Charter.”
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“Let’s be straightforward. A permanent member of the UN Security Council invaded a neighbouring country and made an effort to remove it from the map.”
The United States has already expressed verbal support for proposals to change the Security Council for years, but with little enthusiasm. It has previously supported bids from Japan and India.
In order to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of the council, Biden further pledged that the United States would “refrain from using the veto, unless in rare, unusual cases.”
Russia has used its veto authority the most frequently in recent years. As a result of the power dynamics at the end of World War II, the United States, China, France, and Britain all had the ability to veto actions.
Russia has mocked US arrogance in the Security Council in the past, citing how former president George W. Bush got through it to attack Iraq.
In his presentation to the General Assembly, Kenyan President William Ruto hailed Vice President Joe Biden’s comments on change as “a substantial start in the right direction.”
Speaking outside of the General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the international community to exert “maximum pressure” on Putin since his actions “will serve to isolate Russia further.”
Russia has used its veto authority the most frequently in recent years. As a result of the power dynamics at the end of World War II, the United States, China, France, and Britain all had the ability to veto actions.
The European Union said that its foreign ministers would meet in an emergency session in New York late on Wednesday to discuss Putin’s speech.
Josep Borrell, the head of the EU’s foreign policy, told reporters that more measures “will definitely be on the table.”
Without a “Cold War” with China
Biden also attempted to defuse tensions with China amid predictions of escalating world unrest, days after he once more pledged US backing for Taiwan in the event that Beijing invades the self-governing democracy.
“The United States will act as a responsible leader as we handle changing geopolitical trends. We don’t want war, we don’t want a cold war, “added Biden.
The Biden administration has taken heart from what it perceives as China’s less-than-complete support of Putin, who recently indicated that Beijing is concerned about the Ukraine war.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke at the United Nations, among other leaders. Raisi left for New York just as demonstrations over the murder of a woman detained by morality police began to spread throughout his nation.
Following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was allegedly beaten to death for not donning a headscarf in accordance with the rules of the clerical state, Biden declared that Americans “stand with the brave women of Iran.”
As he recalled the killings of Indigenous women in Canada, Raisi criticised the West of having “double standards.”
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