Ukraine has called for a mechanism to be found to strip Russia of its seat on the UN Security Council
Andriy Melnyk made this statement during an open debate at the UN Security Council, according to Ukrinform.
Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called on UN member states to find a political and legal mechanism to strip Russia of its status as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Speaking during the open debate at the Security Council, he stated that, among all the wars and conflicts in the world, Russian aggression against Ukraine stands out for its brutality and the systematic nature of the violence against the civilian population.
“The first four months of this year have been the deadliest period for the Ukrainian civilian population in history,” Melnik said.
Attacks on civilians and the energy sector
The Ukrainian diplomat recalled that during the winter, Russia systematically attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
According to him, the aim of such strikes was an attempt to “force millions of civilians to submit through the cold”.
Melnik also drew attention to the tactic of so-called “double strikes”.
This refers to situations where, following an initial attack, Russia launches a second strike – after medics, rescue workers and other emergency services have arrived.
According to the Ukrainian representative, the second attack is carried out “solely to kill medical staff and rescue workers”.
The issue of Russia’s responsibility
Melnik emphasised that legal obligations to protect the civilian population would be meaningless if there were no punishment for aggression and related war crimes.
“All legal obligations to protect the civilian population will ultimately remain empty words if acts of aggression and related war crimes go unpunished,” he said.
What Ukraine is proposing to the UN
Ukraine’s Permanent Representative called on Security Council members and all UN member states to “stand up to this grotesque reality”.
He stated that the international community must find a way to strip Russia of its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
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