Zelenskyy at UNSC: Act against Russia or close down UN
Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it needs to 'act immediately' and throw out Russia from the Council. "If there is no alternative and no option, then the next option would be to dissolve yourself altogether," he said, adding that Moscow has turned its veto in the UNSC into the 'right to die'.
Why does this story matter?
The war between Russia and Ukraine entered the 42nd day on Wednesday. So far, Russia has completely destroyed several cities in Ukraine. At the same time, it is being condemned all over the world for the killings of civilians in Bucha town. The Ukrainian military says they have evidence of war crimes. However, Russia has consistently denied this.
'Russia's crimes similar to ISIS'
During the virtual address at the UNSC, Zelenskyy said that 'punishing Russia' was essential to preventing future war-time crimes. He also likened Russia's atrocities in Ukraine to violence carried out by terrorist groups like ISIS. "I returned from the city of Bucha yesterday, liberated from Russian troops. There is not a single crime they have not committed," said Zelenskyy.
India condemns killing in Bucha
India has condemned the killings in Bucha and called for a fair investigation into the matter. The reaction came during the UNSC meeting on Tuesday. Without directly naming Russia, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "The recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We unequivocally condemn these killings and support the call for an independent investigation."
India ready to provide more supplies to Ukraine
"Keeping in view the dire humanitarian situation in Ukraine, India has been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine & its neighbors, including medicines and other essential relief materials. We stand ready to provide more medical supplies to Ukraine in the coming days," Tirumurti added.
US, allies plan more sanctions
Meanwhile, the United States and its allies on Wednesday prepared new sanctions on Russia over the Bucha killings. The sanctions will ban new investment in Russia and increase curbs on financial institutions and state-owned enterprises in the country, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Tuesday. The sanctions will be coordinated between the US, the G7 countries, and the European Union.
Twitter limits reach of Russian government accounts
Social networking giant Twitter has introduced new measures against Russian government accounts to reduce the effect of official propaganda on the platform. "We will not amplify or recommend government accounts belonging to states that limit access to free information and are engaged in armed interstate conflict — whether Twitter is blocked in that country or not," Twitter said in a statement.
