Source: UN News Wires
UN Photo/Cia Pak
Russia must be punished for its “illegal war” against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday – part of a “peace formula” that also calls for greater civilian protection and defense support.
“A crime has been committed against Ukraine, and we demand just punishment,” he said in a pre-recorded message to world leaders.
“The crime was committed against our State borders. The crime was committed against the lives of our people. The crime was committed against the dignity of our women and men. The crime was committed against the values that make you and me a community of the United Nations.”
Five-point plan
For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Heads of State and Government are once again back in New York for their annual debate.
Last week, UN Member States met to vote on allowing Mr. Zelenskyy to deliver his speech via video instead of in-person.
Speaking in English, the President outlined a peace formula that punishes aggression, protects life, restores security and territorial integrity, guarantees security, and highlights the importance of determination.
He stressed that it does not include neutrality.
“Those who speak of neutrality, when human values and peace are under attack, mean something else,” he said. “They sympathize only for protocol. And that is why they pretend to protect someone, but in reality, they protect only their vested interests.”
Special tribunal and sanctions
President Zelenskyy said not only can the peace formula work for Ukraine, “but for anyone who may find themselves in similar circumstances as we did.”
Punishment for the crime of aggression includes implementing sanctions, such as trade and travel bans.
