Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in the spotlight on Tuesday at the United Nations (UN), where US President Joe Biden warned the world of the consequences if he tried to cave in to Russian “aggression”.
V. Zelensky, wearing the military-style clothing that has become his trademark, appeared at the UN Annual General Assembly for the first time since the start of the war.
Mr Biden, who was due to address the UN earlier, released excerpts of his speech. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin, who did not come to New York, hoped the world would “get tired and allow him to commit atrocities in Ukraine without consequences.”
“But I ask you: if we abandon the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter to satisfy the aggressor, can any member state confidently feel safe?” If we let Ukraine divide, will the independence of either country be guaranteed? “- say the published excerpts of Mr. Biden’s speech. “We must resist this open aggression today to deter future aggressors tomorrow,” Mr. Biden said.
Zelenskiy is also preparing to meet with dissident leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has previously said Ukraine was also responsible for the war, as well as billions of dollars in Western military aid to Kiev.
V. Zelensky, whose movements have until now been completely secret, will also take part in a special session of the UN Security Council on Ukraine on Wednesday. Russia is a permanent member with veto power over any binding action.
Asked about the meeting during a visit to a New York hospital where wounded Ukrainian soldiers are being treated, Zelenskiy said the United Nations still offers “a place for Russian terrorists.” In a previous interview with CBS News, he said Putin was “the second Hitler.” The world must “decide whether we want to stop V. Putin or whether we want a world war to break out,” V. Zelensky said.
Zelensky will use his visit to the United Nations to also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both of whom have ties to Russia, as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a key ally.
Speaking at a reception marking Germany’s 50th anniversary at the United Nations, Scholz expressed concern about “new divisions opening up in the world.” “Imperialism is once again showing its horrible face,” he said.
RT Erdogan, who will also address the General Assembly on Tuesday, is seeking to restore a U.N.-backed deal struck by Russia to allow Ukraine to once again transport grain through the Black Sea.
In his speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vowed not to give up and said the world “desperately needs” food from both Ukraine and Russia.
Source: The Delfi
