While the ropes in the crisis between Ukraine and Russia are stretched a little more with the moves and sanctions, the statements about diplomacy continue to come. Finally, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba, who made a joint statement with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is speaking at the United Nations General Assembly this time. Here are all the details of the breaking news…
The highlights of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba’s statements are as follows:
I would like to let you know that I welcomed the statement of the UN Secretary-General yesterday. We need to take action with decisive and correct words. Russia tends to escalate tensions. We need to frame and deter Russia.
There is an increasing threat from Russia to our collective security and freedom. Ukraine expects to take decisive action. The UN is an organization that can take action, not just condemnation. We need to prevent bloody conflict. Otherwise, thousands of people will die and be injured. Ukraine wants to stop this. Right now we have to stop Russia. Ukraine believes in diplomacy.
“RUSSIA MAKES AN EXCUSE TO ATTACK UKRAINE”
We see no alternative paths other than peaceful solutions. We can use diplomacy, we can save people, even if Russia maintains tensions. Under OSCE documents, such actions are considered as extraordinary military activity. These need to be explained. Russia did not make a statement and continued its threats. Russia piled up its ships in the Black Sea and said, ‘We are doing exercises in the sea area’. This means blocking Ukrainian ports.
This means violation of principles in international rules. Russia is constantly making excuses to attack Ukraine. We are firmly opposed to Russian aggression. We do not accept what they did in Donbas. We do not plan to attack in the Donbas. Together with our friends, we want to resolve the situation within the framework of diplomatic dialogue.
Russian forces continue to bombard Ukrainian territory and civilian infrastructure. They hit a home in the occupied territory. The school was in Rubika. This is the scariest example. The recognition of so-called republics has no legal consequences. This revealed that Russia was part of the armed conflict. The situation in the Donbass region has already been terrible for years. Those present were living in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
There was a region called Isolasia. We could not reach this area for humanitarian missions, it was like a prison. There was such a region in Europe in the 21st century. Hundreds of people were tortured and lost their lives here. Russia does not release prisoners. He does not release the captives he has captured illegally. We presented the list of persons who were taken as illegal captives in Ukraine and Crimea, the number of which exceeds 100, to the esteemed secretary general.
We would like to address the esteemed Secretary General once again; Please get these people released immediately. Today Ukraine considers not only global defense, but also freedom, democracy. The peaceful life and the future of millions of people in Europe and all over the world depend on the principles that Russia is trying to destroy. Russia’s attacks must be stopped.
“CRIMETER CASE WAS NOT CLOSED”
The temporary invasion of Russia was condemned. The General Assembly will not accept Russia’s rhetoric. “The Crimean case is closed,” says Russia, but we will not accept it. Russia continues its efforts to destroy the identity of Ukraine and its local people. Many people came to Ukraine from Crimea due to discrimination, ethnic and religious reasons. The leader of the Crimean Tatars attended the International Crimean Summit and is now behind bars. Just one of over 100 people. On February 16, a journalist in Sevastopol was sentenced to 6 years in prison on pretexts.
Russia constantly argues that it does not violate international norms and principles. However, if we look at the UN, human rights and OSCE reports, all institutions say the opposite. If Russia does not comply with the specified rules, it will oppose the UN Human Rights Rules, and it is extremely important for international organizations to access the occupied territories. Ukraine demands that Russia abide by international rules in the occupied territories.
“WE DEFINED UKRAINE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN 1994”
The whole world sees that Russia is threatening the global community today in order to close the Crimean case. This is actually just one of the security requests on our long list. Ukraine will continue its efforts. To bring a solution to the Crimean problem by peaceful means. We want to thank all countries. Being actively involved in this platform is extremely important to our future success. Please join active platforms.
In line with this initiative, we will work in line with the principles of the UN charter. Ukraine has made a historic contribution to global security. In 1994, we cleared our country of nuclear weapons. We’ve given up on the world’s third largest nuclear weapon. Today we want the world to protect our security within the framework of reciprocity. We want him to defend us in equal measure, with equal determination, against threats.
“RUSSIA’S ATTACKS WILL NOT BE LIMITED TO UKRAINE”
The world sees Ukraine, and the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, has created a new negotiation format in order to solve the security crises. There is a certain format that we are trying to persuade, including Turkey. Ukraine had wanted to create a UN Peacekeeping Force years ago. So far, the UN Security Council has failed to take the necessary decisions. Ukraine wants Ukraine to be strengthened. Our aim is to keep diplomatic channels open and impose sanctions.
Do your best to deter Russia. We would like to thank you for the steps you will take in advance. Prevent this war that will increase tensions in the center of Europe. The Russian security crisis must end. We want to appeal to all states; Please do not accept the situation to change. Please do not take any action that will cause these zones to be recognized. If the right steps are not taken, the tension will increase and the human dimension of this destruction will increase. Unfortunately, Russia’s attacks will not be limited to the borders of Ukraine. On the contrary, strong sanctions may enable Russia to give up its attacks.
“WE ARE READY TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE AND LAND”
Institutions can take a leading role in this historic and dark moment. Russia needs to withdraw its forces. It should no longer pose a threat. We want to solve all problems through diplomacy, we are ready for all possible scenarios. We are ready to protect our people and our land. If the Russian Federation attacks our territory, Ukraine will not give up its right to defend its territory.
Please say you will take action. Regardless, this is your ultimate mission. Defending the UN Charter is your ultimate duty as countries, thank you.