Russia’s aggression against Ukraine takes center stage at the United Nations General Assembly, Germany and France denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “imperialism”, Qatar, Senegal and Turkey call for immediate peace talks, Lithuania war crimes He called for the establishment of a court. Punish Moscow atrocities.
Standing at the United Nations podium in New York late Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine in February had “no justification.” “This is plain and simple imperialism,” he said, adding that it would spell disaster not only for Europe, but also for the rules-based order of the world.
“If we want this war to end, we cannot be indifferent to how it ends,” Scholz said. “Putin will abandon his war and imperial ambitions only when he realizes that he cannot win.” Germany, therefore, will not accept a peace dictated by Russia, and will “financially, economically and humanitarianly We will continue to support Ukraine with all our might with support and weapons,” he promised.
The war in Ukraine is now approaching its seventh month.
The conflict has become Europe’s largest war since World War II, killing thousands and displacing millions from their homes. Meanwhile, the loss of important grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia has triggered a global food crisis, especially in developing countries.
In the two General Assembly votes immediately following Russia’s invasion, some 140 UN member states overwhelmingly lamented Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. But more than 30 of her countries, including China, India and South Africa, abstained.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in an impassioned speech that no country should remain neutral about accusing Russia of aggression.
“Those who remain silent today, whether themselves or their secret accomplices, serve the cause of a new imperialism, a modern-day cynicism that is destroying the world order.” Serving its interests worth.
“Who can defend the idea that an invasion of Ukraine does not justify any sanctions?” he asked. “Can any of you here think that there will be silence from the region, from the world, the day something similar to your more powerful neighbor happened to you?”
“I call on all members of this Congress to assist us on the road to peace, to make Russia abandon its choice of war, to recognize the cost to herself and us, and to end its aggression. to act,” he said. “This is not about choosing sides between East and West, it’s everyone’s responsibility to respect the UN Charter.”
“New Cold War”
Meanwhile, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has called on UN member states to create a tribunal to punish alleged Russian war crimes.
“There should be no impunity for the brutal crimes and atrocities committed during war. Ensuring justice and accountability is critical to the credibility of the United Nations and the international community,” he said. urged countries buying Russian oil to stop importing and “stop funding this bloody war.”
However, some countries expressed unease about having to choose between the two.
“I have come to say that Africa has suffered enough of the burden of history. Senegalese President and current President of Senegal, Mackie Sall, said: The African Union.
“We call for the de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and for a negotiated settlement to avert the potentially catastrophic risk of global conflict. Negotiations and talks promote peace. I urge you to put together a high-level reconciliation mission to which the African Union is ready to contribute.”
Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani reiterated calls for peace talks.
“Although we are fully aware of the complexity of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its international dimensions, we call for the immediate pursuit of a ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said. “However the war drags on, in any case, the question is how it will end in the end. It would double the severe impact on the economy at large.”
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the recent deal in which his country and the United Nations backed brokers in Ukrainian grain exports was one of the biggest achievements of international organizations in recent years.
In his speech, Erdogan said, “Thanks to hard work with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ukrainian grain is now reaching the world via the Black Sea.” “This agreement is crucial in maintaining the world’s grain supply and he is one of the United Nations’ greatest achievements in recent years.”
Turkey will continue efforts to end the war based on the agreement “based on the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine,” he said.
Other leaders who spoke on the first day of the general debate included Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis.
US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.
President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were absent. They sent a foreign minister instead.
