New York: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared negotiations to make an end to the war, by focusing Ukraine-Russia peace, as addressed to the United Nations Security Council. Zelenskyy urged that Russia must be forced into peace following its numerous violations of international law.
During meetings with officials from 14 member nations excluding Russia, Zelenskyy characterized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions as an international crime that would not stop without external pressure.
Zelenskyy stated that, “This war can’t simply fade away. Russia can only be forced into peace.” This statement emphasises that Ukraine’s sovereignty could not be secured through mere discussions or concessions.
Zelenskyy is rallying support for his victory plan aimed at concluding the conflict that escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. He firmly rejected any proposals suggesting that Ukraine should cede territory to facilitate peace, underscoring that the war would not end simply because “someone got tired of it.”
Russian Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized Zelenskyy’s address, accusing Western nations of “poisoning the atmosphere” by highlighting the Ukrainian issue once again.
Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States occurs with a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, with campaigning for the upcoming presidential election intensifying. Vice President Kamala Harris is in a tight race against former President Donald Trump, a candidate perceived as more doubtful of Ukraine.
In his speech, Zelenskyy also faulted North Korea and Iran for supplying arms to Russia, branding them as “de facto accomplices” in the war. He highlighted the discovery of North Korean weaponry debris in Ukraine, while Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian denied allegations of missile deliveries to Russia.
The issue of military support led to tensions between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Blinken accusing China of supplying critical materials to bolster Russia’s military efforts. Wang Yi dismissed the accusations, asserting that blaming China for the conflict would lead nowhere and reiterating Beijing’s commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the organization’s strong backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty, labeling Russia’s invasion and previous invasions as clear violations of international principles.
As discussions continue, the international community remains vigilant about the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the quest for a resolution.
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