Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday addressed the UN Security Council, rejecting the idea of peace talks with Russia. Instead, he called for unspecified global “action” to compel Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine and adhere to the UN Charter’s principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Zelenskyy argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has violated numerous international rules and will not stop on his own.
“And that’s why this war can’t simply fade away. That’s why this war can’t be calmed by talks,” Zelenskyy said. “Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what’s needed – forcing Russia into peace as the sole aggressor in this war, the sole violator of the UN Charter,” he added.
The high-level meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly, was attended by ministers from 14 of the council’s 15 member nations, with Russia sending a lower-level UN ambassador. Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia criticised the meeting, expressing frustration with Zelenskyy’s repeated appearances at the UN and the support he receives from European Union and NATO members.
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres reiterated the United Nations‘ strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that Russia’s actions since 2014 have been a clear violation of these principles. Zelenskyy questioned the effectiveness of engaging in talks with Putin, emphasising that Russia must be compelled to end the war and terror.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken accused China, Iran, and North Korea of providing Russia with various forms of support for its war effort.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while stressing China’s belief in respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, did not directly respond to Blinken’s accusations. Blinken also highlighted the increasing reliance of Russia on Iran and North Korea, arguing that this exacerbates threats to peace and security.