Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday (local time). In a pre-recorded video message, Zelenski says he wants peace for his country. He also asks UN member countries to “punish” Russia for the crime committed by the Russian army.
Zelensky wants, among other things, that the veto right that Russia enjoys as a permanent member of the UN should be revoked. According to the Ukrainian president, the aggressor should no longer be part of the decision-making process in international organizations.
He also asks for a tribunal that can punish the Russian crimes and he wants a fund to be able to repair all the damage suffered. Continued sanctions remain important for Russia to achieve peace, the Ukrainian president said. Zelenski emphasizes that a neutral position for his country is not an option.
The Ukrainian president concludes his speech with a critical note to the seven countries that voted against his video message at the General Assembly. These countries, including Russia, North Korea and Syria, are responding “with a red button to principles”, according to Zelensky. He congratulates the more than a hundred countries that did want the Ukrainian head of government to give a speech. “Peace will prevail over any aggression,” said the Ukrainian president, who received a standing ovation after his speech.
Zelensky is the only head of government to address the UN assembly remotely. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave another TV speech announcing a partial mobilization. Putin himself is not present at the General Assembly in New York.