Russia defends invasion during emergency UN General Assembly | News | DW

The 193 members of the UN’s Common Meeting held a minute’s silence on Monday for the victims of the battle in Ukraine as delegates met for an emergency session to debate a decision condemning Moscow’s “aggression.”

Russia discovered itself more and more remoted however defended its “navy operation,” blaming the violence on Kyiv throughout solely the eleventh particular session within the UN’s 77-year historical past.

The members of the meeting are set to vote on a symbolic denouncement of Russia’s actions, however one that’s seen as an essential barometer not only for its condemnation of Moscow aggression, but in addition for the worldwide stance in opposition to creeping authoritarianism world wide.

Additionally, in contrast to the extra distinguished Safety Council, the place a single vote in opposition to from veto holder Russia can thwart any movement or decision, because it did in Friday’s emergency session, the Common Meeting can transfer on a two-thirds majority vote slightly than a unanimous one.

Sure nations, akin to Syria, China and India, are anticipated to vote in opposition to or abstain from condemning Moscow on Wednesday, whereas these behind the decision are hoping for greater than 100 votes in favor.

What did the Ukrainian consultant say?

Ukraine’s ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, was unsurprisingly important of Russia in his handle to the meeting, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s choice to extend his nation’s nuclear readiness “insanity.”

Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UN, in contrast Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the invasion carried out by the Nazis throughout World Struggle II

He accused Moscow of concentrating on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, which he condemned as “battle crimes.”

Kyslytsya went on to warn the opposite delegates of the results of Russia’s invasion.

“If Ukraine doesn’t survive, worldwide peace won’t survive. If Ukraine doesn’t survive, the United Nations won’t survive. … If Ukraine doesn’t survive, we can’t be shocked if democracy fails,” Kyslytsya mentioned.

UN Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres additionally condemned the violence. “Sufficient is sufficient. Troopers want to maneuver again to their barracks. Leaders want to maneuver to peace. Civilians should be protected,” he mentioned.

How did Russia defend its invasion?

Russia’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, reiterated claims made by Putin when he launched the invasion final week.

He blamed Kyiv for the battle, claiming that it had violated the Minsk agreements and repeating the road that Moscow needs to “demilitarize and de-nazify” Ukraine.

Russia additionally claimed that it had acted in “self-defense,” according to Article 51 of the Constitution of the United Nations, however different UN members have rejected this account, saying Russia violated Article 2, which says states mustn’t use drive to resolve a disaster.

Nebenzya’s speech got here immediately after that of his Ukrainian counterpart

Nebenzya additionally instructed the meeting that “the Russian military doesn’t pose a risk to the civilians of Ukraine, isn’t shelling civilian areas.” This goes in opposition to a number of experiences of Russian strikes hitting residential areas and killing civilians from officers in Ukraine.

The ambassador of China, Zhang Jun, instructed the meeting that “nothing will be gained from beginning off a brand new Chilly Struggle.” Beijing has refused to sentence Russia’s actions however has referred to as for negotiations to finish the violence.

ab/msh, jsi (Reuters, AFP)