Zelensky Says Russia “Is No Different To Terrorists” And Calls On UN To Expel Them From Security Council
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN today after visiting the liberated town of Bucha and seeing evidence of civilians executed by Russian troops (Alamy)
2 min read
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has insisted Russia is “no different to terrorists such as Daesh” as evidence mounts that Vladimir Putin’s troops have committed war crimes.
He was addressing the United Nations this afternoon after visiting the liberated town of Bucha on Monday and witnessing horrific evidence of civilians being executed.
Calling on Russia to be kicked out of the UN’s Security Council, he said that “there is not a single crime that they have not committed" in the suburb of the capital Kyiv.
“Civilians were crushed by tanks while sitting in their cars in the middle of the road just for their pleasure,” Zelenskyy said.
“They cut off limbs, slashed their throats, women were raped and killed in front of their children.
“Their tongues were pulled out only because they did not hear what they wanted to hear from them.
“So this is no different from other terrorists such as Daesh, and here it is done by a member of the United Nations Security Council.”
He added: “So where is the security that the Security Council needs to guarantee?”
Reminding other UN countries of Article One of its charter he said the purpose of our organisation “is to maintain peace and make sure that peace is adhered to”, which is now being violated by Russia.
“And if so, what is the point of all other articles today as a result of Russia's actions in our country, in Ukraine, the most terrible crimes of all times?” he asked.
Zelenskyy was addressing the Security Council meeting convened by Britain amid growing outrage over Russian atrocities.
The UK, which currently holds the council's presidency, said it wanted to discuss the "mounting evidence of war crimes" and will push to ensure "justice is done”.
Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of committing "real genocide”, and warned worse evidence of mass killings will emerge as Russia repositions forces to focus on the south-east of Ukraine.
“We’ve all seen the harrowing images and reports from Bucha this weekend, of unarmed Ukrainian civilians shot with their hands tied behind their backs, of more than 800 bodies left in the street or dumped in mass graves, of women being raped in front of their children," Dame Barbara Woodward, Britain's UN ambassador, said.
“We’ll use our presidency of the Security Council to ensure there is transparency, accountability and that justice is done.”
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