Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the notion of peace talks with Moscow on Tuesday, instead calling for global action to force Russia into peace for invading Ukraine and violating the UN Charter’s requirement that countries respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Kabul 24: Zelenskyy told the UN Security Council that Russian President Vladimir Putin is committing “an international crime” and has broken so many international rules that he won’t stop on his own. He argued that this war cannot simply fade away or be calmed by talks, and that Russia can only be forced into peace as the sole aggressor violating the UN Charter.
UN Secretary-General Reiterates Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter. He stated that Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, following the illegal annexation of Crimea, is a clear violation of these principles.
China Calls for Talks, Accuses US of Shifting Blame
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. He said China is pursuing peace talks and conducting shuttle diplomacy, pointing to a joint China-Brazil peace plan. Wang accused the US of irresponsibly shifting blame and attacking China on the Ukraine issue.
US Accuses Iran, North Korea of Aiding Russia’s War Efforts
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Iran of providing armed drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia since 2022. He also said North Korea has delivered trainloads of weapons and ammunition to Russia, including ballistic missiles and artillery rounds. Blinken stated that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine the victim, and that countries supplying military aid to Russia are exacerbating threats to peace and security.
