Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attending a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, criticized Russia on the 24th (local time) for making North Korea and Iran accomplices in war crimes. Russian President Vladimir Putin, referring to major world leaders emphasizing dialogue and diplomatic solutions, also stressed that he has no intention of achieving peace through talks and that action is necessary.
According to The New York Times (NYT) and others, President Zelensky made these remarks during the UNSC meeting held at the UN headquarters in New York on the first day of the high-level week of the UN General Assembly. He stated, "Russia is committing international crimes," urging the 15 countries attending the meeting to continue supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia. Amid urgent issues drawing attention at this year's UN General Assembly, such as the Gaza war, concerns over the Middle East escalation following Israel's airstrikes on Hezbollah, and the Sudan civil war, Zelensky appealed for attention to the Ukraine war as well. The NYT explained that the UNSC meeting was added at the last minute at Ukraine's proposal, fearing that its own war would be excluded from the agenda as the UN General Assembly's focus shifted to Middle East issues.
President Zelensky raised his voice, saying, "This war cannot simply disappear, nor can it be resolved through dialogue," emphasizing, "Action is needed." He also acknowledged that "there are countries that want to talk with Putin," but stressed, "Peace must be imposed on Russia. Imposing peace on Russia is exactly what we need." Furthermore, he pointed out that "there is no legitimate reason for Russia to make Iran and North Korea de facto accomplices in war crimes occurring in Europe," highlighting that Russia is attacking Ukraine with missiles from North Korea. This is a criticism that North Korea and Iran are becoming accomplices in war crimes by supplying weapons to the Ukraine war.
Additionally, President Zelensky said he had obtained information that Russia plans to attack three nuclear power plants in Ukraine. He warned, "We have evidence of this," and "Russia is prepared to go that far. What you value is not important to Russia." He also reiterated that he has devised a new victory plan based on the principles and values of the UN Charter. However, aside from mentioning that a peace conference is being organized, he did not disclose further details on that day. Moreover, he again requested lifting restrictions on the use of long-range missiles provided by the West so that Ukraine can attack Russia.
President Zelensky also attended the UNSC meeting during last year's high-level week of the UN General Assembly, denouncing Russia's war responsibility and urging UN action. He is expected to once again criticize Russia's war crimes and seek support in his speech at the General Debate of the Assembly on the 25th.
The Russian delegation, representing one of the UNSC permanent members, also attended the meeting that day. However, it was observed that they ignored President Zelensky's remarks and continued to show inattentiveness. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's ambassador to the UN, expressed dissatisfaction before the UNSC meeting, complaining that Slovenia, the UNSC president for September and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), had added a briefing session not originally on the agenda, effectively providing a stage for President Zelensky. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly General Debate on the 28th.
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