Zelensky makes desperate appeal to UN, accusing Putin of ‘kidnapping’ children | World | News
President Volodymr Zelensky has delivered his first in-person speech to the United Nations since Vladimir Putin’s invasion – after questioning why “Russian terrorists” were allowed to attend.
In a speech to 200 world leaders, Ukraine’s leader said Russia was continuing to “weaponize” food by targeting ships carrying grain from Ukraine via the Black Sea.
He said: “As long as nuclear weapons remain in place, this mass destruction grows. The aggressor uses many other things and these things are used not only against our country but also against yours.
“There are many conventions that restrict weapons, but there are no real restrictions on their militarization.
“Let me give you an example, food since the start of the full-scale war. Ukrainian ports have been blocked by Russia, until now our ports remain a target for missiles and drones and it is clear that Russia is trying to militarize the food shortage on the world market in exchange for recognition of some, if not all, of the conquered territories.
But he said his country was working hard to maintain safe grain exports to the rest of the world.
He also accused Putin of weaponizing energy, not only oil and gas, but also nuclear energy, by turning power plants into potential “dirty bombs.”
He further accused Russia of having “kidnapped” hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children.
“These children in Russia are being taught to hate Ukraine,” he said.
“This is clearly genocide. Every decade, Russia starts a new war. It almost swallowed up Belarus.”
He added that entire colonies in Ukraine were now being wiped out by Russia.
“The aggressor must be contained,” Mr. Zelensky added.
Joe Biden, speaking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, emphasized that Russia bears sole responsibility for the conflict and renewed America’s commitment to continued aid to Ukraine.
He said: “If we abandon the basic principles of the United Nations aimed at appeasing an aggressor, can a member state of this body have the certainty of being protected? If you allow Ukraine to be divided, is the independence of a nation assured? » asked Biden.
“I respectfully suggest that the answer is: no.”
He called for global cooperation to resolve global problems to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future.
He said: “The United States aspires to a safer, more prosperous, and more equitable world for all, because we know our future is linked to yours.
“Let me repeat: we know that our future is linked to yours. »
Ahead of Biden’s speech, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres listed numerous “existential threats” facing the world, from the climate crisis to artificial intelligence.
“Our world is becoming unbalanced. Geopolitical tensions are increasing. Global challenges are multiplying. And we can’t seem to muster ourselves to respond. »
“The world has changed. This is not the case for our institutions. He added: “We cannot effectively solve the problems as they present themselves if institutions do not reflect the world as it is.” Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem. »
General Assembly President Dennis Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, called on world leaders to use the General Assembly’s “unique and truly global platform” to coordinate a global response.
Francis said: “Such a common and coordinated approach is necessary today as at any time in our history.
“War, climate change, debt, energy and food crises, poverty and famine – these crises have a direct impact on the lives and well-being of billions of people around the world. »
Follow our social media accounts here at facebook.com/ExpressUSNews
newsg1
