Russia, as per Ukraine's PM, opts for a course of killing rather than peace at the United Nations Security Council
In a passionate address to the United Nations Security Council on 29 August, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko called for increased diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Russia in response to the ongoing full-scale invasion.
Svyrydenko emphasised the need to strip Russia of resources to fund its war, suggesting the introduction of strict tariffs and the strengthening of personal sanctions against Russia's political and military leadership. She also proposed the imposition of sanctions on the "shadow fleet" of oil tankers.
The prime minister's plea came in the wake of a nighttime attack on 27-28 August that resulted in the death of 25 people, including four children. The youngest victim was under three years old and had been born during Russian attacks in October 2022. Since the start of the invasion, at least 2,139 children have been injured, 2,193 are considered missing, and tens of thousands more have been abducted. Over 1.6 million Ukrainian children are under Russian control in occupied territories.
Svyrydenko requested full disconnection of Russia from international financial systems and called for the prompt adoption of the EU's 19th sanctions package. She urged Ukraine's allies to provide additional air defence systems and long-range strike capabilities to help protect the country from Russian attacks, which she described as deliberate acts of terror.
Despite these calls, the People's Republic of China has not imposed state sanctions against Russia, much to Ukraine's disappointment.
Ukraine remains open to diplomacy aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. Svyrydenko's address to the UN Security Council was a powerful reminder of the human toll of Russia's invasion and a call to action for the international community.
