Several world leaders have taken the podium at the 77th UN Assembly. On Wednesday, the second day of this high-level meeting, the Ukrainian president, in a video message, called for “just punishment” for the crimes committed by Russia, on the orders of its president Vladimir Putin.
In his speech, informs RFI, Volodymyr Zelensky also asked for the establishment of a special tribunal and the suspension of Russia’s right of veto at the UN.
“A crime has been committed against Ukraine and we demand just punishment,” the Ukrainian president told the UN heads of state and government.
For about twenty minutes, he presented his “formula for peace”, five non-negotiable conditions to end the war.
These include the punishment of crimes of aggression, the protection of life, the restoration of security and territorial integrity, security guarantees and Ukraine’s determination to continue to defend itself.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian president called for a special tribunal before the UN to judge Russia “for its crime of aggression” and “the violation of borders and territorial integrity”. This penalty “must remain in place until internationally recognized borders are re-established”, he demanded.
He also called on the General Assembly to set up a compensation fund for Ukraine and to suspend Russia’s right of veto in the UN Security Council.
“The aggressor participates in decision-making in international organizations, he must be isolated from them,” he said.
Dressed in his traditional khaki T-shirt, the Ukrainian head of state, therefore, reminded world leaders of the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and delivering new weapons to Ukraine.
“Russia will be forced to end this war,” he asserted during his speech, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience.
