Several UN members urge Russia to cease Ukraine war

During a recent UN Security Council meeting, representatives from several member states urged Russia to cease its war in Ukraine, which is about to enter its third year on February 24. French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourne condemned Russia’s actions, labelling the conflict as an “unjust, unjustifiable, and illegal war of aggression” that violates international law. He emphasized Ukraine’s desire for peace and stressed the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the UN Charter and international order established after World War II.

Similarly, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called upon member states to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin, not only in solidarity with Ukraine but also due to the perilous consequences of Putin’s actions for the international community as a whole.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. representative at the UN, emphasized the importance of upholding sovereignty within the international system and the UN. She stated that the failure of Russian President Vladimir Putin is paramount, emphasizing that nothing should take precedence over this goal. Thomas-Greenfield stressed the necessity of unwavering resolve and solidarity among member states.

In contrast to calls for diplomacy and de-escalation, Thomas-Greenfield pointed out that Putin deliberately chose war. She urged increased support for Ukraine, not only in its pursuit of peace but also in its quest for a just and enduring resolution, aligned with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Thomas-Greenfield made it clear that if Russia were to lay down its arms, the war would cease, while if Ukraine were to do so, its existence would be threatened.

The Russian envoy to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, highlighted the Western bloc’s past attempts to encourage peaceful initiatives in Ukraine, suggesting that they had ultimately failed. He criticized the ongoing influx of weapons from the West into Ukraine and characterized peace negotiations as futile.
Nebenzia argued that Ukraine’s government is increasingly seen as ineffective and lacking independence by its people, particularly in the context of the ongoing proxy war. He asserted that Ukraine is losing in this conflict, emphasizing that all conflicts eventually come to an end, including the Ukrainian one.

Furthermore, Nebenzia suggested that the longer the conflict persists with Western support, the less favourable the peace outcomes will be for Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned Russia, associating its name with “aggression, war crimes, and barbarism.”

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister emphasized that Russia has no legitimate basis for its presence at the UN Security Council table, asserting that future reforms should rectify this historical error that has resulted in tragic consequences. He underscored the importance of unified and decisive actions to hold the aggressor accountable and to uphold international peace and security. Highlighting Ukraine’s faith in the UN and its Charter, the minister expressed appreciation for the unwavering efforts of responsible members of the Council.