Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded that the controversial Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant be turned over to the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the same time, he emphasized the importance of his country’s struggle against the Russian invasion. “Today our country celebrates Independence Day and now everyone can see how much the world depends on our independence,” Zelenskyy said in a video during a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday.
If Russia isn’t stopped now, “Russian killers will likely end up in other countries — in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America,” Zelenskyy said. “Russia must be held responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.” Exactly six months ago, Russia launched the invasion – the Security Council also met on that occasion. At the same time, Wednesday is also Ukrainian Independence Day.
War of Aggression condemned by more than 50 countries
On this occasion, more than 50 countries – including the US, all EU countries and Britain – condemned the war of aggression. “We call on the Russian Federation to end its utter disregard for its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights,” Ukraine’s ambassador said. at the UN, Serhiy Kislizia, in New York on Wednesday. participating states.
Boycott attempt in Russia failed
Russia had tried to prevent Zelenskyj from speaking before the UN Security Council. Moscow did not receive the necessary support on Wednesday in the most powerful UN body in New York to prevent Zelenskyy’s video message – 13 of the 15 members were in favor of the president’s arrival. Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Wassili Nebensya, justified his objection by saying that Zelenskyy should not be connected via video, but should be present in person in New York.
Stop “nuclear blackmail”.
Zelenskyj said an IAEA expert mission should take control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia factory “as soon as possible” and permanently. Russia must unconditionally end its “nuclear blackmail” and withdraw completely from the nuclear power plant in eastern Ukraine. He also reported on a rocket attack on a train station in the Dnepropetrovsk region. There are dead and injured. “This is what our daily lives look like,” he continued.
The European Union emphasized that a nuclear power plant should not be misused as a military base. “Over the past few months we have seen an increasing risk of nuclear disaster in Europe. It is a shame that we even have to say that a nuclear power plant should never be used as a military base,” Silvio Gonzato, European Union ambassador to the UN, said in New York on Wednesday.
Guterres: “The warning lights are flashing”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also concerned about Zaporizhzhya. During the Security Council meeting, he again called for an international expert mission, for which there is still no green light despite the official support of the warring parties. “The hazard lights are flashing,” Guterres says.
“Today marks a sad and tragic milestone,” Guterres said, referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine exactly six months ago. Thousands of civilians were killed or injured, including hundreds of children. “The world has seen gross violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.” But a deal signed at the end of July between Moscow and Kiev to export grain from Ukraine gives hope, the secretary-general said.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
