Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine’s representative to the United Nations, has called on member states to establish a political and legal framework to strip Russia of its permanent seat on the UN Security Council. His remarks came during open debates at the Security Council, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Melnyk characterized the ongoing Russian aggression as particularly brutal, noting that it stands out among global conflicts due to its systematic violence against civilians. He stated, “The first four months of this year have been the deadliest period for the Ukrainian civilian population to date.”
He further highlighted the winter attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which he described as an attempt to force millions into submission through cold and deprivation. Melnyk pointed out that Russian forces have employed a tactic of “double strikes,” where a second attack follows the first, aimed specifically at targeting medical personnel and rescuers.
“All legal obligations to protect civilians will ultimately remain empty words if acts of aggression and associated war crimes go unpunished,” Melnyk asserted.
He urged members of the Security Council and all UN member states to confront this grim reality and work towards revoking Russia’s status as a permanent member of the Security Council.
Ukraine's UN representative, Andrii Melnyk, has called for the revocation of Russia's permanent Security Council seat, citing severe human rights violations and the need for accountability. His comments underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.
Source: Укрінформ