UN Member States must join efforts to compel Russia to move toward peace. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.
The Head of State stressed that the world’s attention to the United Nations is fading, the UN is losing influence, and too often there is a lack of real decisions on fundamental issues.
“This is exactly what we need to speak about today, about the tools that, sadly, are not working now. But they will work, I’m sure, they will work – if you are active, if we are active. Because the main tool is in your hands,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President highlighted that Russia is using its veto power in the UN Security Council to prolong the war and continue the killings.
“Putin only cares about using every meeting, every chance to keep the war going. Each day, Russia kills our people, destroys our cities, and leaves no sign it will ever return to the principles of the UN Charter,” the Head of State said.
He noted that Ukraine, together with the United Kingdom, France, and more than 30 other countries, is building a new security architecture within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.
“We count on the United States of America as a backstop. Real security guarantees must become the line Russia cannot cross again,” the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy underlined that strengthening Ukraine’s and partners’ air defenses through a joint system against missiles and drones would force Russia to stop its attacks from the sky and look for a truce on the ground.
“You – the United States, China, Britain, France – the Permanent Members of the Security Council – represent the world’s essential power, the power that must act when international law alone cannot. And no, not Russia. With this war, Russia has discredited itself – even for those who do not yet criticize Putin openly, they still feel that Russia’s presence brings no good,” the Head of State emphasized.
The Head of State noted that UN Security Council members and UN Member States in general must unite to force Russia to stop the war.
“If you stand together for ending this war, even Russia will have to obey. And if some of you act, while others delay, the war goes on,” he stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that Ukraine seeks peace more than any other state, while Russia ignores the losses and lives of its own people. According to him, the united voice of the UN will force Russia to feel the consequences of the war and begin moving toward peace.
“Be the force that acts. Act together. Please. Unite at last to stop Russia’s war. And we know how to guarantee security. What we need now is a strong push – to force Russia toward peace,” the Head of State concluded.
