Zelensky, "Russia Must Be Stripped of UN Security Council Status... Will Drive Out the Invaders"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia's mobilization order and called for the removal of Russia's permanent membership in the UN Security Council during a virtual speech at the 77th UN General Assembly general debate on the 21st (local time). New York, USA = AFP · Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized Russia's announcement of a mobilization order, demanding the revocation of Russia's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and punishment for war crimes.

According to AFP on the 21st (local time), President Zelensky delivered a virtual speech at the 77th UN General Assembly general debate, stating, "They talk about negotiations but announce a partial mobilization," and fiercely criticized, "When Russia talks about negotiations, it is only when they want to delay their retreat." He further stated, "Russia's permanent membership in the UN Security Council must be revoked, and war crimes must be punished."

President Zelensky emphasized, "A special tribunal for Russia must be established, and war reparations must be demanded," adding, "The restoration of Ukraine's security, territorial integrity, and guarantees of safety are non-negotiable conditions for peace."

He continued, "We will push the aggressors out of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory," emphasizing, "Humanity and international law are stronger than a terrorist state. Russia will not be able to change the course of history." After his speech, which lasted about 25 minutes, most attendees at the UN General Assembly stood and applauded for nearly a minute.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky was the only one to deliver a virtual speech at this UN General Assembly general debate. According to the assembly rules, heads of state and other high-level officials attending the general debate must deliver their speeches in person, but an exception was made considering that Ukraine is at war due to Russia's invasion. Earlier on the 16th, the UN passed a resolution recognizing this exception, but Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and others voted against it, causing controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.