In the UN, Ukraine Calls Out Russia for “Worst War Crimes Since World War II”
On Tuesday (April 5), President Volodymyr Zelenskiy fired up the UN Security Council with a punch‑line that only a world leader can deliver: “Accountability must be inevitable.” He accused the Russian troops invading Ukraine of committing the dirtiest war crimes since the 1940s.
Visual Proof of Battle‑Dead Suffering
- Zelenskiy showcased a brief video montage—burned, blood‑stained bodies, including kids, from Irpin, Dymerka, Mariupol, and Bucha.
- Each clip underscores Ukraine’s claim that Russians are responsible for hundreds of civilian deaths.
- In the clip, the names of victims flash in a painfully stark reminder that war never looks pretty.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Fends Off the No‑Go Campaign
The Russian envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, burst into the conversation and insisted the soldiers are not targeting civilians. According to him, “Bucha was under Russian control and no civilian suffered from any kind of violence.”
He further argued that the troops are made to “save as many civilians as possible,” which is why they can’t advance as quickly as expected. That line has bubbled up like a sports commentary: “We’re slowing down!”
Why the Security Council Is Failing
Zelenskiy used a live video from Kyiv to poke at the 15‑member body that has been stuck in a “veto‑whirlwind.” In short, Russia, the United States, France, Britain, and China hold the power to block any action, and that’s tantamount to turning the council’s veto into a death sentence.
He said: “We’re dealing with a state that treats its veto right as a death‑cannon.” And he added a line that’s sure to get us laughing in a dark hallway: “Russia wants to turn Ukraine into silent slaves.”
Regional Reactions
China’s Take
China, which has stayed mostly quiet on UN votes, expressed being “deeply disturbed” by the evidence from Bucha. The foreign affairs chief called for verification, clearly wanting to play the role of neutral fact‑finder.
India’s Stance
India, a major consumer of Russian military gear, condemned the charges and demanded a worldwide investigation. Although it’s been abstaining on UN action, the voice of “justice” pours into the hall.
What’s Next?
While the UN may now seem like a paper‑weight, both sides keep arguing. Ukraine wants reforms that would shut the door on the “veto‑power” problem. Russia maintains they’re on a “special military operation” to destroy Ukraine’s military whence they prophesy a “denazification” mission.
And so the drama continues—between a record of war crimes and silent bureaucratic marches. Let’s hope the world’s epic struggle for justice moves from debate to action before we’re all swallowed by the very war that Zelenskiy and the rest of us are fighting to stop.
‘Show backbone’
Russia’s Fiery Threat Hits the UN’s Doorstep
U.S. ambassador Linda Thomas‑Greenfield has been sounding the alarm: “The powers of the world need to show backbone and stand up to Russia’s dangerous, unprovoked threat against Ukraine and the world.” She also reminded everyone that nobody can act as a shield for Russia’s aggression.
Suspension on the Horizon?
The United Nations General Assembly, with its 193 member nations, is likely to vote this Thursday to suspend Russia from the Geneva‑based Human Rights Council.
A two‑thirds majority of those present must agree—a tall order, but one that could swing how the world responds to the crisis.
Beyond the Politics
- About 11 million Ukrainians (over a quarter of the country) fled their homes; more than 4 million have left the country entirely.
- UN aid chief Martin Griffiths reported that at least 1,430 civilians—including more than 121 children—have been killed, a figure likely under‑reported.
- Griffiths, pushing for a humanitarian truce, said “We have a long road ahead” after a stark meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.
- UN political affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo confirmed that monitors are investigating allegations of sexual violence from Russian forces, describing horrific crimes “like gang rape in front of children.” She also noted claims of such acts by Ukrainian forces and civil‑defence militias.
- Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres warned the Security Council that Russia’s invasion presents “one of the greatest challenges ever to the international order” because of its nature, intensity, and consequences.
Key Takeaway
The UN is hammering at a pivotal moment: can it punch the Russian hand per the world’s collective will? With tensions rising, it’s clear the stakes are as high as the numbers displayed in this sad dancing of statistics. The world’s next move could reshape international norms and the lives of millions—so we’re all watching closely, with a mix of hope, frustration, and hopefully a little humor to keep the moral compass steady.
