Ukraine Demands Punishment For Russia's Bloody Invasion

Ukraine’s president laid out a detailed case against Russia’s invasion at the United Nations and demanded punishment from world leaders in a speech delivered just hours after Moscow made an extraordinary announcement that it would mobilize reservists for the war effort, Jennifer Peltz reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: This speech was one of the most keenly anticipated at the U.N. General Assembly, where the war has dominated.

Buoyed by a counteroffensive that has retaken swaths of territory that the Russians seized, Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed in a video address Wednesday that his forces would not stop until they had reclaimed all of Ukraine.

“We can return the Ukrainian flag to our entire territory. We can do it with the force of arms,” the president said in a speech delivered in English. “But we need time.”

Video speeches by Zelenskyy in an olive green T-shirt have become almost commonplace. But this speech was one of the most keenly anticipated at the U.N. General Assembly, where the war has dominated.

The topic popped up in speeches by leaders from all over the world who deplored the invasion not least because they said it was not consistent with the cornerstone principles of the United Nations — including respect for sovereignty.

“It’s an attack on this very institution where we find ourselves today,” said Moldovan President Maia Sandu, whose country borders Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden’s address, too, focused heavily on the war in Ukraine. “This war is about extinguishing Ukraine’s right to exist as a state, plain and simple, and Ukraine’s right to exist as a people. Whoever you are, wherever you live, whatever you believe, that should make your blood run cold,” he said.

“If nations can pursue their imperial ambitions without consequences, then we put at risk everything this very institution stands for. Everything.” The war will remain front and center at the gathering on Thursday, when the Security Council plans to take up the issue.

Russia hasn’t yet had its turn to speak at the gathering, Andrew Katell also reported for AP.

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