Sun. Dec 1st, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN Security Council. Source: President of Ukraine

New York City, 24 and 25 September 2024

Russia’s War Against Ukraine Will End Because the UN Charter Will Work – Speech by the President of Ukraine at the High Level Meeting of the UN Security Council

24 September 2024 – 23:26

Your Excellencies,

One day in this hall it will surely be said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has ended – not frozen, not paused, not forgotten. Truly ended.

And this will happen not because someone got tired of the war. Not because someone traded something with Putin.

Russia’s war against Ukraine will end because the UN Charter will work. It must work. Our Ukrainian right to self-defense must prevail. Our cooperation with nations of the world who value life as we do. Our territorial integrity. Our sovereignty, the independence of our country. We are defending what every nation would surely want to protect for itself. And what the UN Charter grants to all.

And it is Russia that always has to lie to justify its war. Not us. Russia cannot refer to the UN Charter to explain what it is doing against us, against Ukraine, Ukrainian people. In fact, in Russia’s perverted way, in its crooked world, it does refer to the Charter – but that’s simply insane.

Russia stayed silent because it couldn’t explain why a Russian missile recently struck a grain ship bound for an Egyptian port through the Black Sea. Russia either stays silent or lies about why its drones and missiles are found in the airspace of Poland, Moldova, Romania. Every day, Ukrainians are wounded and killed. Every day. Today, once again Russian bombs hit residential buildings. Even an ordinary bread factory became a target. What’s so threatening to Russia about making bread? Putin has no answer. And Russia never has an honest answer when asked why its army kills children in Ukraine, “defeats” schools and hospitals, and fights not for justice, but for a blackout for a neighboring nation. Putin has nothing to say if you ask him why he tries to drag Belarus into the war, why his propagandists threaten nations in the Caucasus or Central Asia, or why Russia invests the most not in human development, but in hatred. Russia has no legitimate reason – none at all – for making Iran and North Korea de-facto accomplices in its criminal war in Europe, with their weapons killing us, killing Ukrainians and helping Putin steal our land from our people.

We know – some in the world want to talk to Putin. We know it. To meet, to talk, to speak. But what could they possibly hear from him? That he’s upset because we’re exercising our right to defend our people? Or that he wants to keep the war and terror going just so no one thinks he was wrong? It’s insane too.

From the very first second of this war, Russia has been doing things that cannot possibly be justified under the UN Charter. Every destroyed Ukrainian city, every burned village, and there are already hundreds and hundreds, serves as proof that Russia is committing an international crime. And that’s why this war can’t simply “fade away.” That’s why this war can’t be calmed by talks. Action is needed. And I am grateful to all the nations that are truly helping, in ways that save the lives of our people.

Putin has broken so many international norms and rules that he won’t stop on his own. 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.

Now, as we near the third winter of this war, Russia is once again trying to destroy our energy system, and this fall, they’re being even more cynical. They’re preparing to target our nuclear power plants, three of them – we have this information, and we have proof of this. If Russia is ready to go that far, it means – nothing you value matters to Moscow. This kind of Russian cynicism will keep striking if it’s given any room in the world.

The UN Charter leaves no room for that. And that’s why the Peace Formula leaves no room either.

In 2022, in the midst of the war, when I proposed the Peace Formula, I was proposing to uphold the UN Charter – to make effective everything that this institution was created for. Every point of the Peace Formula is rooted in the principles and purposes and norms of the UN Charter – in the rights it grants nations, and in the resolutions of the General Assembly that have already been supported by the majority of nations.

And we do not have different versions of the UN Charter for different parts of the world. We do not have regional “quasi-charters”. There is no separate UN Charter for BRICS or for the G7. There is no separate Russian-Iranian UN Charter, or no separate Chinese-Brazilian UN Charter. There is one UN Charter, which unites everyone – must unite everyone. The path to a just peace is the same – clear steps that everyone understands equally, and this is reflected in the Peace Formula. It is the fulfillment of the UN Charter. And we all know what needs to be done if we honestly look at the situation and truly want to stop Russia’s war. And most importantly – act. Together, of course. Of course, in unity. Without creating new and unnecessary divisions of the world into blocs or regional groups. Unity always works for peace.

We have to prepare the second Peace Summit to end the war. All together. And I invite all of you – all principled nations – to join us in this process. All who truly respect the UN Charter.

We invite China. We invite Brazil. I have already invited India. We are working with African nations, with all of Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, the Pacific region, North America. All are equally important for peace. All. Without exceptions. Just as the UN Charter must work without exceptions. This is the process that will lead us to peace. To a just peace. A real peace. A peace that will last. All of us already know how to achieve it. We have the Peace Formula. We have the UN Charter. And we have all the strength needed to make it happen.

What’s needed – is determination.

Thank you so much.

Glory to Ukraine!

Source – President of Ukraine

 


Volodymyr Zelenskyy: We Have to Prepare the Second Peace Summit to End the War

24 September 2024 – 23:15

One day in this hall it will surely be said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has ended – not frozen, not paused, not forgotten. Truly ended. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the high level meeting of the UN Security Council.

He noted that the war will end because the UN Charter will work. The Head of State added that the second Peace Summit should be prepared for this very purpose and invited everyone who respects the UN Charter to join.

“We invite China. We invite Brazil. I have already invited India. We are working with African nations, with all of Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, the Pacific region, North America. All are equally important for peace,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that everything needed to achieve a just peace is in place: the Peace Formula, the UN Charter, and the necessary strength for implementation. What is required now is determination.

Source – President of Ukraine

 


Ukraine’s Plan for Victory Contains a Clear Vision of Steps Towards a Just and Lasting Peace – Andriy Yermak

24 September 2024 – 11:15

Ukraine’s Plan for Victory, presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the United States, contains a clear vision of the steps to be taken to ensure a just and lasting peace. This was stated by the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, in his speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

The Head of the Presidential Office stressed that the Plan for Victory includes both military and diplomatic components.

“We must have an advantage on the battlefield to force Putin into stopping the hostilities. We are trying very hard. Without ships, we have destroyed the Black Sea Fleet. Without air superiority, we have stopped the Russian advance in most directions, including Kharkiv. Without fear, we brought the war back to Russia,” he said.

Andriy Yermak noted that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine has increased its arms production sixfold. However, we still lack the resources, technologies and time to produce everything we need.

“I call on our allies to increase and speed up the delivery of military assistance packages. Air defense equipment, drones, electronic warfare equipment, long-range systems, and artillery shells are on our priority list,” the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

Andriy Yermak also urged partners to increase investments in Ukrainian arms production and stressed the importance of granting Ukraine permission to strike targets on the territory of the Russian Federation and use frozen Russian assets to support our state.

In the course of the discussion that followed the speech, the Head of the Presidential Office outlined the prospects for holding the second Peace Summit and the preliminary preparatory work, which includes a series of thematic conferences on each of the points of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula. Andriy Yermak also noted that Ukraine’s invitation to NATO is a part of the Plan for Victory and encouraged partners to ignore Russia’s threats of escalation.

Source – President of Ukraine

 


Ukraine: Address by High representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell to the UN Security Council on the Russian aggression

New York City, 24 September 2024

Check against delivery!

Ms President, Distinguished Members of the Council,  

We meet today as a Permanent Member of this Council, Russia, continues carrying a brutal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. As many have said today, it is a blatant violation of United Nations Charter. 

Russia launched a war against Ukraine. It is the first interstate war in Europe since World War II. Ukraine defends itself in line with its right to self-defence under United Nations Charter, and it does so against a nuclear-armed state. 

The international community must remain determined to support Ukraine’s freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised border. 

Some have declared here today that they love peace. Oh, yes, they love peace – no one loves peace more than the Ukrainians. 

[So,]  they want peace quickly, [in] the quickest possible way. But they have not mentioned that the quickest possible way [towards peace] is Russia withdrawing their troops from Ukraine. This would be the quickest possible way. Yes, there is another way, Ukrainian surrender. But we do not want this kind of ending [of] the war. 

They are desolated, because the fact that we have been providing support to Ukraine has not finished the war. No, but it has allowed Ukraine to defend itself. We want Ukraine to continue defending itself.

So, to all “lovers of peace”, please take into consideration that it matters the way [how] this war is going to end. It matters. One way of ending this war, which is Ukrainian surrender in front of the violation of their international integrity, will be a “good example” for the perpetrator of this violation to start [doing it] again and again. 

So please, my call to all “peace lovers” is to keep in mind that what we are talking about is the freedom of one country, one people, who are defending themselves against an aggression. 

United Nations reports are unequivocal. The deliberate destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure, depriving the civilian population of services necessary for its survival. Particularly when the winter season starts – and two-thirds of electricity production capacity of the country has been destroyed. 

The recent transfer of short-range ballistic missiles by Iran to Russia, and in doing also with North Korea, is becoming an enabler of Russian aggression. This represents a sustained material escalation and a direct threat to European security. 

These weapons will be likely used against Ukrainian civilians, adding another layer of suffering and destruction of this war. 

The European Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and to achieve a lasting peace. Yes, because we want peace, we too want peace, but based on international law and United Nations Charter. As do more than 110 partners who supported the Summit [on Peace in Ukraine’s] Joint Communiqué of this last meeting on a peace framework, supporting again sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of an aggressed country. 

At the end of the day, it is up to Ukraine, and only to Ukraine, to define the terms in which they want this war eventually to end. 

We need to pay more attention at the constant violations of the embargo against Russia. We need to be concerned by the circumvention of sanctions that is making the war longer. 

We have to reinforce the legitimacy of our support to Ukraine by being consistent with our values and applying these values everywhere. 

This is the best way of supporting Ukraine. Consistency is of the essence. 

In a world that is becoming less multilateral and more and more transactional, and in order to prevent this slide to have more transactions and less norms, we need to work very hard. 

This is the best way to support Ukraine for a peace, a just peace, that makes the aggressor fail. 

Thank you. 

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261098

Source – EEAS

 


Ukraine: Press remarks by the High Representative after the UN Security Council meeting on the Russian aggression

New York City, 24 September 2024

Unfortunately, for the third year – it is already three times – the Security Council needs to convene to address this Russian full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine and against Ukrainian people.

I reminded [the Security Council] that Russia is a permanent member of this Council and that despite of that, Russia continues this brutal war against Ukraine, violating its territorial integrity and the United Nations Charter. 

In July and August, we saw the highest civilian casualties since October 2022. It is the United Nations who reported that the number of civilian casualties has been increasing along the war. 

It is clear that for Putin the purpose is to deliberately destroy homes and civilian infrastructure, especially ahead of the winter. 

You know that two-thirds of the electricity production capacity has been destroyed. It is quite cold in Ukraine in winter. So, the purpose is to push people into the cold and the dark in the coming winter. 

This is not a ‘special operation’. This is a way of terrorising the civilian population. 

We, at the European Union, commit to supporting Ukraine and we continue supporting Ukraine. 

And I heard here some “peace lovers” say that they love peace, and they want peace in the quickest possible way. Yes, they love peace; me too, the European Union [loves peace] too. Ukrainians more than anyone else. If someone is willing [to have] peace, it is certainly the Ukrainians which are suffering the consequences.  

Some said: “Oh, stop this war because it is too costly for us.” Well, it is very costly for Ukrainians in terms of lives, not only in terms of money. 

Yes, we have to end this war quickly. What is the quickest way of ending this war? They have not mentioned the quickest way of ending the war, which is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Russia withdraws the troops and the war will end. 

But they have not mentioned this quickest way of ending the war. 

Maybe they are thinking of another quick way of ending the war, which is Ukrainian surrender. Yes, without our support, Ukraine would have to surrender. 

Is that what they are proposing? [It is] not our case. We do not want this way of ending the war. 

We do not want Ukraine surrendering and losing its national identity, its freedom and its territory, and becoming a second Belarus. That has to be clear. 

I would like to explain to all these “peace lovers” – who say they want peace – why we should continue supporting Ukraine, if they are attached to the United Nations Charter and the dignity and freedom of the people. 

Peace does not mean submission. We want a lasting peace. Peace does not mean surrender. We want a peace that respects the sovereignty [of Ukraine]. Peace does not mean occupation. Let’s clarify what does it mean when we talk about peace: no occupation, no surrender, no submission. 

It is important to engage in peace efforts, certainly. To support the Ukrainian military does not exclude to support the peace process. Both things have to go together, hand in hand, the two sides of the same coin. The more Ukraine will be stronger, the more we will be able to go to a peace negotiation. 

A peace initiative that will not reward the aggressor. No peace initiative should succeed if it neglects the United Nations Charter. 

And as President [of Ukraine, Volodymyr] Zelenskyy said, there is one [UN] Charter, only one [UN] Charter, no different one for different situations, and borders cannot be re-drawn by force. As simple as that. Borders cannot be re-drawn by force. 

This is the first interstate war in Europe since the end of World War II [launched] in order to change the borders. 

The Security Council should stand to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations Charter – it is quite elementary, no? – that the Security Council should support the United Nations Charter, demand an immediate end to Russia’s [war of] aggression, and hold accountable those responsible for the many atrocities committed. 

I was in Bucha, and it was not ‘theatre’, as the Russian ambassador has said; “it was just a fake”. Well, it was not a fake. The corpses of hundreds of people in the streets were not fake. They were there during the Russian occupation. The satellites do not lie. The satellite shows reality and shows who was there before the Russians left. 

This war will end. All wars end – but it matters how they end. 

Today, Ukraine is paying the highest price with their blood and their lives, with the destruction of their country. 

It also matters to the rest of the world. Because this war is not only destabilising the world. It is not only creating hunger and high prices of food and energy worldwide. It is also creating a new way of imperialism from the past, to try to dominate the common future.  

So, international law and rule is not a choice, it is a necessity. If we fail in Ukraine, we will fail everywhere else. 

That is the message I tried to convey to the Security Council. 

Thank you. 

Q&A

Q. First of all, you have talked about the need for Ukraine not to lose this war. Yet we have in this country, Donald Trump has said if he seeks negotiation, he will not say who wants to win this war. What do you make of that approach, if you can comment on that? Secondly, if I may ask you about the Middle East. We are nearly a year now into this crisis, and I just wanted to ask you to reflect on the approach of the United States and its diplomacy, while on the one hand arming Israel but seeking a diplomatic outcome. Can you reflect on how effective you think that approach has been? Here we are a year later with still the war in Gaza, now the potential for a very serious escalation in Lebanon. 

On Gaza, you will have to wait for the debate of the Security Council on Gaza. Today is about Ukraine. There is another Security Council discussion in Gaza, and believe me, I will attend and I will answer your question. And the first question … [former President Donald] Trump, for the time being, is just a candidate. I will wait until Trump is sitting again in the White House in order to consider his proposals. 

Q. What do you think of his comment that he will not say who should win the war?  

Well, I do not want to comment [former President Donald] Trump’s comment. I am not a commentator. 

Q.  Are you saying that the European Union is making no preparations whatsoever for a Donald Trump victory and you are only going to change course once the elections happen?  

No. I have been following this war from the beginning. One thing is clear: at the beginning of the war, nobody was expecting Ukraine to resist. At the American Embassy, immediately after the war started, they were packing to leave because nobody expected Ukraine to resist. The reason was clear: Russia is the number four in the world for military expenditure. Ukraine is number 35. So, the difference between the military capacity of Russia and Ukraine is an abysmal, it’s incredible.

So, the fact that Ukraine was resisting was a kind of miracle. In the beginning, we offered Ukraine – what did we offer to Ukraine? – helmets. Now we are offering F-16. It is quite a difference, no? But immediately after, when people in the Chancelleries – and myself in Brussels – considered that Ukraine was resisting, was not 2014. Allow me to remind you, in 2014, when the Crimea invasion [happened], in the Munich Conference, the Europeans did not want to arm Ukraine, they refused to arm Ukraine. They considered this.. well, impossible to resist. This time, we did it. We have to continue doing that. I do not know what the Americans, the United States with the new presidency will do or not. But for the time being, allow me to say that, European Union support – if you add military, civilian, economic, financial and humanitarian is greater than [from] the United States. More than €100 billion is the bill that we have paid. Among them, €45 [billion] for military support. Less than the United States, yes, certainly, but quite an important figure; €45 [billion] is not negligible. Adding everything together we are – I think, the European Union – no, I am sure: the greatest supporter to Ukraine. And one thing for me is clear. As long as the Ukrainians want to resist, we have to support them. Otherwise, we will make a historical mistake. 

Thank you. 

Source – EEAS

 


United Nations: With Political Will, ‘Diplomacy Can Succeed’, UN Secretary-General Guterres tells Ministerial-Level Security Council Meeting on Ukraine

24 September 2024

“Let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged a ministerial-level Security Council meeting today, as speakers debated ways to stop the war in that country, with some offering mediation and pledging support and others calling for the cessation of weapon delivery to the Russian Federation.

In his briefing to the Council, Secretary-General Guterres recalled that on 22 September, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations. “Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States — within their internationally recognized borders,” he stressed.  With the largest international presence in Ukraine, the UN provided aid to 6.2 million people.  However, he reported that the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan was only half funded.

Also expressing concern over a resurgence of incidents around the Zaporizhzhia and Kursk Nuclear Power Plants, he emphasized:  “The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.”  Nonetheless, he pointed out that the Black Sea Grain Initiative and continued exchanges of war prisoners serve as a reminder that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed — even in the darkest hour.  “Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue,” he added.

In the ensuing discussion, many Council members rejected weapons deliveries to the Russian Federation, while others sounded the alarm over the possibility of further escalation and the use of nuclear weapons.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States, said that support from Tehran and Pyongyang is “helping Putin inflict carnage, suffering and ruin.”  The quickest the quickest way to stop the conflict is to stop those who are enabling and fuelling “Putin’s aggression,” he declared.

For his part, Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the recent transfer of short-range ballistic missiles by Iran to the Russian Federation represents a substantive material escalation and a direct threat to European security.

Similarly, Cho Tae-yul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, expressing concerns over the Russian Federation and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s military cooperation, said that this partnership threatens not only peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, but in Europe as well.

Noting that the weapons deliveries have “absolutely not helped in bringing this war to an end,” Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, said that the question now is what “is the quickest way to peace.” Echoing that stance, Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China observed that the more the weapons are sent to the battlefield, the more difficult it is to achieve the goal of cease-fire, while noting that “China has all along stood on the side of peace.”

Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, also expressed concern about possible escalation due to weapons and related materials being delivered to the Russian Federation from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran and urged the Council to ensure compliance of all weapon transfers.

For his part, Akahori Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, said that “as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during the war, his country does not accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone its use of nuclear weapons.”  Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs for France, noting that Ukraine’s struggle “is ours” as well, urged all States to stop delivering weapons and dual-use goods to the Russian Federation.

Also stressing that the conflict cannot be solved through military means, Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana said:  “Only a serious political and diplomatic process can pave the path to peace and commended the efforts of those who have committed to finding pathways to peacefully end the war.”  Along those lines, Manuel Gonçalves, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique emphasized:  “Violence, regardless of its justification by any party, cannot establish the conditions necessary for lasting peace.”

“Why are we unable to agree on the path to peace?” Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland questioned, spotlighting that his country organized the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in June 2024 in Lucerne.  “It is now essential to continue this dialogue with the Russian Federation as well,” he stated.

Voicing regret over the lack of inclusive international initiatives and diplomatic avenues for peace, Ahmed Attaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria said that his country’s President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune has proposed to mediate between the two parties.

However, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that “Russia can only be forced into peace”, stressing that from the start of the war, the Russian Federation acted in ways that cannot be justified under the United Nations Charter.  More so, every point of the Peace Formula — proposed in 2022 — is rooted in the principles, purposes and norms of the Charter.  Underscoring the need for a second Peace Summit, he said:  “All of us already know how to achieve it.  What is needed is determination.”

Offering a contrasting perspective, the representative of the Russian Federation said that Moscow started its Special Military Operation after the “regime in Kyiv” refused to implement the Minsk Agreements and had, instead, intensified strikes on Donbas.  “If the Western camp does not excise the cancerous tumour of the current Kyiv regime peacefully” and if Washington, D.C., continues to supersede the salvation of the country, Moscow will continue its Special Military Operation until its objectives are met militarily,” he added.

However, David Lammy, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, rebutted that narrative, declaring:  “Your invasion is about your own interests.  Yours alone.”  The Russian Federation was trying to “return to the world of the past. A world of imperialism…”.  He reminded that country’s representative, that, as a Black man whose ancestors were taken in chains from Africa and whose ancestors fought in a great rebellion of the enslaved, that he recognized imperialism.  “I know it when I see it. And I will call it out for what it is.”

Also voicing concerns of many speakers, Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity, noting that if the Russian Federation wins, “gross violations of the Charter will win as well”, making the whole world “less safe and less stable”.

Adding to that, Jaime Barberis, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, called on the Russian Federation to end its military operations in Ukraine “so that we can move without further delay toward a negotiated solution for sustainable peace.”  For his part, Musa Timothy Kabba, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, urged the Council to speak with one voice in the interest of global peace and security.

While many speakers from countries in the region, including Italy and Türkiye, affirmed their unwavering support to Ukraine in its self-defence and in the rebuilding of its infrastructure, others expressed concern over the failure to find peace.  Juraj Blanár, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, highlighted the lack of a firm commitment from global powers to the peace process, including in the Council.  “This conflict cannot be solved unless the competition of global powers is replaced by their cooperation,” he pointed out.

Luminița Odobescu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Romania, stressed that the war is undermining the security of the wider Black Sea area and challenging neighbouring States’ stability.  Speaking about the abductions of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation, Radosław Sikorski, Minister for Foreign Affairs for Poland, underlined that “this is not collateral war damage.  It was a plan devised before the war and ruthlessly executed.”

Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, speaking also for Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, speaking also for Estonia and Latvia, called for the Russian Federation to be held to account, with the latter urging that a special international tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine be established and for war criminals must be arrested under International Criminal Court arrest warrants.

“We as European neighbours, we as Germans were responsible for the worst crime on the European continent,” noted Annalena Baerbock, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany.  “We are lucky to live in peace again because other European friends and partners were there for us.”  Germany cannot stop helping Ukraine in its self-defence or ignore what is happening, she added, because “my country pledged to always stand up for the principles of the United Nations.”

At the outset of the meeting the representative of the Russian Federation made a point of order that the programme of work for the Slovenian Security Council Presidency did not include a high-level meeting on Ukraine and questioned the participation of 11 non-Council member delegations under Rules 37 and 39 of the Security Council’s Rules of Procedure.

Slovenia’s representative, Council President for September, responded that Rule 37’s criterion is based on the interests of States specially affected.  Further, non-members invited for this meeting were invited to participate in prior meetings on this topic and thus met the criterion of being “specially affected”.

Source – United Nations

 


Calling for Intensified Efforts towards Peace in Ukraine, Secretary-General Tells Security Council ‘When There Is Political Will, Diplomacy Can Succeed’

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council meeting on Ukraine, in New York today:

Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.  Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States — within their internationally recognized borders.

The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State — and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 — following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago — is a clear violation of these principles.

And civilian populations continue to pay the price.  The death toll keeps rising.  Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.  Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets are only adding pain and misery.  Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities — wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.  And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.  This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

But, we need the support of the international community.  Fifteen million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance — more than half of them women and girls.  But, as winter is approaching, less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground. We are also assisting the Government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.  This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites — particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.  I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.  The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions — at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.  We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence — for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed — even in the darkest hour.

Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue. So, let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine — a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly. The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.  Thank you.

Source – United Nations

 


UNGA: Overview of meetings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Strengthening Trade and Economic Cooperation and Rebuilding Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the President of Türkiye

25 September 2024 – 04:11

The leaders discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula in detail, emphasizing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and Türkiye’s key role in implementing the relevant point of the Formula related to food security.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Prime Minister of Slovenia

25 September 2024 – 02:30

The President expressed hope for fruitful cooperation with the new European Commission, where a Slovenian representative has taken up the position of Commissioner for Enlargement.

 

Russia’s War Against Ukraine Will End Because the UN Charter Will Work – Speech by the President of Ukraine at the High Level Meeting of the UN Security Council

24 September 2024 – 23:26

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.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: We Have to Prepare the Second Peace Summit to End the War

24 September 2024 – 23:15

One day in this hall it will surely be said that Russia’s war against Ukraine has ended – not frozen, not paused, not forgotten. Truly ended. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the high level meeting of the UN Security Council.

 

Defense Cooperation, Ukraine’s Needs, and Efforts to Achieve a Just Peace: Outcomes of the Meeting Between the Presidents of Ukraine and Finland

24 September 2024 – 23:08

In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Finland Alexander Stubb.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed the Implementation of the Peace Formula with the President of Guatemala

24 September 2024 – 22:48

In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Guatemala Bernardo Arévalo.

 

Olena Zelenska Received an Award from the Global Children’s Charity Theirworld

24 September 2024 – 15:40

During her visit to New York to participate in the events of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska received the Unlock Big Change award from the global charity Theirworld.

 

We Came to the United States for Positive Answers – President at the Meeting with the Ukrainian Community

24 September 2024 – 12:32

In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the Ukrainian community and visited the exhibition “Alexandra Exter: The Stage is a World” at the Ukrainian Museum.

 

Winterization of Ukraine’s Energy System: President Met with Executives of Leading American Energy Companies

24 September 2024 – 12:12

The Head of State thanked the American business community and the U.S. Administration for their support in the restoration of Ukraine’s energy facilities.

 

Ukraine’s Plan for Victory Contains a Clear Vision of Steps Towards a Just and Lasting Peace – Andriy Yermak

24 September 2024 – 11:15

Ukraine’s Plan for Victory, presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the United States, contains a clear vision of the steps to be taken to ensure a just and lasting peace. This was stated by the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, in his speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

 

I Call on Every Adult in the World to Take Action to Save Children – Olena Zelenska on the Sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future

24 September 2024 – 09:18

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the event “Securing the Future for Children: Addressing New Challenges for Soft Power” held on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future and the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Prospects for Trade and Economic Cooperation with the President of Paraguay

24 September 2024 – 02:10

In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Paraguay Santiago Peña.

 

Strengthening Cooperation and Intensifying Joint Efforts on International Platforms: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Narendra Modi

24 September 2024 – 01:49

In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Members of the U.S. Congress

24 September 2024 – 00:56

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress. The meeting was attended by Senators Ben Cardin, Dan Sullivan, Christopher Murphy, and Representative Gregory Meeks.

 

Energy Support and Stepping Up Sanctions Against Russia: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Fumio Kishida

24 September 2024 – 00:12

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida. The President awarded the Japanese Prime Minister with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, I class.

 

We Know Exactly How Much Global Unity Can Achieve – Speech by the President of Ukraine at the Plenary Session of the Summit of the Future

23 September 2024 – 23:53

It is important that the world is working to develop a shared vision for the best future for humanity. As soon as such collective efforts begin, true interests are always revealed.

 

Implementation of the Peace Formula and Preparations for the Second Peace Summit: President Met with OAS Secretary General

23 September 2024 – 21:48

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Secretary General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Chancellor of Germany

23 September 2024 – 21:33

The Head of State thanked Germany for all its support and significant contribution to the strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, primarily for air defense systems.

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Received the American Academy of Achievement Award

23 September 2024 – 12:55

The award was presented to the Head of State by U.S. General David Petraeus. For 60 years, this award has been presented to state officials, scientists, artists, writers, entrepreneurs and public leaders in recognition of their contribution to the development of humanity.

 

We Need Not to Lose the Next Few Months in War, So That We Don’t Lose the Next Decades – Speech by the President of Ukraine at the American Academy of Achievement Awards Ceremony

23 September 2024 – 12:32

We don’t have much time. The next few months will be decisive. Ahead of us in this war – Russia’s war against Ukraine and all of you because this is Russia’s war against freedom itself, – we are short of time to define what the outcome will be. And we must define it.

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