Russia is deporting thousands of Ukrainian children to have them re-educated as Russians – according to Kiev’s accusation before the UN. Russia accuses the West of wanting to “dismember and destroy” the country.
A year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a debate at the UN General Assembly has once again exposed the rift between the warring factions. While Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of genocide at the high-level meeting in New York yesterday (local time), Russia’s UN Ambassador Vasily Nebensia said the West wanted to “dismember and destroy” his country.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned against an escalation of the conflict and the use of nuclear weapons. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is also scheduled to address the general assembly this Thursday.
Kuleba: Facing genocide
A year after the start of the war, Kuleba presented a resolution to the largest UN body calling for peace and Moscow’s withdrawal, which is due to be adopted today. The draft reaffirms a number of previously agreed General Assembly positions, such as Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Kiev and its supporters want to build on similar results from last year’s vote with more than 140 “yes” votes – this should also counteract the impression that there is war weariness in parts of the world and crumbling support for Kiev.
In his speech, Kuleba denounced the mass kidnappings of Ukrainian children through Moscow. Russia is deporting thousands of children to be adopted by Russian families and re-educated as Russians. “This is genocide and we are facing it today.” Moscow recently denied similar allegations.
The departure of many Ukrainians to Russia is presented as an escape from the combat zone. The kidnapping of children is also denied by the Russian side, despite evidence to the contrary. When children are brought to Russia, the reason is often medical treatment or recreation.
Nebensya: “German tanks will kill Russians again”
Meanwhile, Russia’s representative, Nebensia, also targeted Germany and the West, accusing them of motives similar to those in World War II. “This is a war that, as it did 80 years ago, involves a treacherous and powerful enemy who wants to take over our country and subjugate us.” Among other things, the West wants to achieve the end of Russia by arming Ukraine. “The German tanks will kill Russians again,” said Nebensia.
UN chief Guterres drew a pessimistic conclusion after twelve months of war: “In the past year we have not only seen suffering and devastation grow, it is also becoming increasingly clear how much worse things could get.” The possible consequences of a conflict spiral are a clear and present danger. “By now we have heard implicit threats about the use of nuclear weapons. The so-called tactical use of nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable.”
Borrell: “This illegal war affects everyone”
US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield campaigned for the adoption of the resolution: “We have before us a resolution that calls on the nations of the world to support diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine,” she said. EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell emphasized that the war was not a “European matter” – “It’s not about the West against Russia either. No, this illegal war affects everyone: the North, the South, the East and the West.”
Behind the scenes at the UN, discussions have been going on in recent months about how substantial a resolution on the anniversary of the invasion could be. According to UN sources, Ukraine had been working on resolutions outlining a war crimes tribunal and text that would translate a ten-point peace plan by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into a UN document. Both ideas were dropped for the vote, which is expected on Thursday.
Voting on Resolution: “Strengthening World Peace”
The text that is now available contains rather vague formulations about the end of the war: Achieving a comprehensive peace, which is necessary, would “make a significant contribution to strengthening world peace and international security,” it says. It also calls for a full exchange of prisoners of war and stresses the need for those responsible for the most serious war crimes to be held accountable.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock asked for approval before leaving for New York. “The peace plan is on the table in New York, it’s the charter of the United Nations,” said the Green politician. According to Baerbock, the resolution will contain the necessary, concrete steps towards peace in Ukraine.
She called stopping Russian attacks, protecting civilians, respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity through Russian troops’ withdrawal, and accountability for crimes committed. “This is the way to peace,” and this is what the world has been expecting from Russia for a year, emphasized the German Foreign Minister. She wants to give a speech in front of the General Assembly in the late afternoon German time.
According to diplomats, a result with approval from more than 130 or again 140 countries seems possible. The vote is expected this afternoon (local time).
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
