Speech of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi at the UN General Assembly

Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the number one example of violations of the UN Charter. The head of the organization stated this during his speech in honor of the opening of the 78th UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, in New York.

According to Guterres, the Russian invasion, which violates the basic principles of the UN, has unleashed the horrors of war and human suffering.

“Instead of putting an end to the scourge of war, we see a surge of conflicts, coups and chaos. If every country fulfilled its obligations under the Charter, the right to peace would be guaranteed,” Antonio Guterres said.

He added that when countries break their promises to the UN, they create a dangerous world for everyone.

“The number one example is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war, which violates the Charter of the United Nations and international law, has unleashed true horrors: lives destroyed, human rights violated, families torn apart, children traumatized, hopes and dreams shattered,” Guterres added.

The Secretary General also emphasized that the Russian war endangered not only the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also the security of the whole world. In addition to the weakening of world democracy, it is also about nuclear danger, the diplomat believes.

“Apart from Ukraine, the war has serious consequences for all of us. Nuclear threats loom over us. Ignoring global treaties and conventions puts us in danger. And the poisoning of global diplomacy prevents progress in all directions,” he emphasized Secretary General of the United Nations.

At the same time, he added that the UN countries should not give up working together for peace – “a just peace, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.”

The UN Secretary General promises to continue working on the grain agreement

Guterres also noted that even during hostilities, everything must be done to alleviate the suffering of ordinary citizens, particularly in the context of the continuation of the grain agreement.

“And even in the midst of hostilities, we must do everything we can to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Ukraine and beyond. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was one such way. The world desperately needs Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizers to stabilize markets and ensure food security. And I will not give up my efforts to achieve this!” – concluded Guterres.

The 78th UN General Assembly began in New York, at which the US president spoke second among the leaders of the states after the leader of Brazil. During his speech, Joe Biden emphasized that the world has no right to abandon the basic principles of the UN Charter on the inviolability of borders and allow Russia to continue its aggression in Ukraine “without any consequences.”

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi as part of the 78th General Assembly will also speak on Tuesday, his speech is expected to be the 12th on the list. Earlier, the Voice of America reported that in his speech, Zelensky will continue to seek the support of developing countries, and will also express deep gratitude for the assistance already provided by the West in defense against Russian aggression.

See also: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Air defense saves lives,” – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.