Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations Security Council, stressing that Russia, the sole aggressor in the war, needs to be “forced into peace” as negotiations alone will not end the conflict. Zelenskyy outlined his “victory plan” to end the war that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, dismissing proposals of territorial concessions to Putin. He criticized North Korea and Iran for providing arms to Russia, calling them “de facto accomplices” in the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the US coincides with the upcoming presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a tight race. The issue of weapon supplies to Russia led to a clash between the US and China, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken accusing China of providing items to Russia to sustain its aggression. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected the accusations, emphasizing China’s commitment to peace in Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the UN’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter, condemning Russia’s invasion as a clear violation of international principles. The meeting was attended by ministers from 14 council member nations, except Russia, which was represented by its Permanent Representative. Russian officials criticized the meeting, accusing Western countries of trying to focus on the “hackneyed Ukrainian issue.” The meeting shed light on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the international community’s efforts to resolve it through diplomatic means.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
