Summary:
- Ukrainian soldiers are doing the job of the UN Security Council to stop Russia and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
- Zelensky called for major reforms to the Security Council, including suspending aggressor members and removing Russia's veto power.
- The prime minister of Albania scolded the Russian ambassador for delaying Zelensky's speech.
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Russia is violating the UN Charter and committing war crimes.
- Blinken brushed off criticism that the Security Council cannot address other issues while focusing on the war, stating that they can and must do both.
- The Russians blamed the West for getting involved in the war and selecting Ukrainian politicians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the UN Security Council of not doing enough to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Violating UN Charter at Security Council
During his speech at the UN Security Council, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of violating the UN Charter. He criticized the council for not taking action to end the war in Ukraine and allowing Ukrainian soldiers to do the work at the expense of their lives. Zelensky called for major reforms to the council, including suspending members who are aggressors and taking away Russia's veto power as a permanent member. He also called for the council's expansion, specifically adding Germany and countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Albanian Prime Minister Scolds Russian Ambassador
When Russian officials attempted to delay Zelensky's speech, the prime minister of Albania, which currently heads the Security Council, scolded the Russian ambassador. The prime minister stated that if Russia stops the war in Ukraine, then President Zelensky would not have to speak before the council. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Russia's violation of the UN Charter, accusing the country of committing war crimes and tearing families apart. Blinken also dismissed criticisms that the council cannot address other issues while focusing on the war, stating that the council can and must do both.
40+ Countries Reading into Zelensky's 10-Point Plan
Blinken stated that more than 40 countries are reading into Zelensky's 10-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine, while Russia has not presented any plan to resolve the conflict. He emphasized that the US and other countries will not stand by while the rules they have agreed to are being challenged, and that they will stand up to violations of the UN Charter.
Russian Foreign Minister Blames West for War and Ukrainian Politicians
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed criticisms against Russia, blaming the West for getting involved in the Ukrainian conflict and accusing them of hand-picking Ukrainian politicians. United Nations Alex Miller reports for Scripps News.