26.02.2025 21:00
Many delegates, including those from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, left the room in protest of Russia's speech at the UN Human Rights Council. Russia, on the other hand, accused Ukraine of human rights violations.
Russia's speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council was protested by a number of delegates, including those from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, who left the room.
Russia's speech at the UN Human Rights Council was protested. During the speech of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, many delegates, including those from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, left the room.
"OUR SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE IS COMPLETE"
Delegates protesting Vershinin's speech gathered outside the room where the session was held. Simon Manley, the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN, stated, "Our support for Ukraine is complete. We want to see a fair and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter," and added, "Ukraine must be at the negotiating table."
France's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jerome Bonnafont, said, "If we passively overlook what is happening in Ukraine, we open the door to the fragmentation of the fundamental principles on which the UN is built." It was also noted that following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Human Rights Council, the seat of the United States in the council was empty.
RUSSIA ACCUSES UKRAINE
Vershinin accused Ukraine of "openly violating fundamental human rights" and accused Western countries of "engaging in Russian hostility." Vershinin stated, "The protection of human rights and freedoms is incompatible with double standards," to which Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa reacted strongly.
Betsa, stating, "The aggressor must be punished, and aggression should not be rewarded," accused Russia of challenging international law and emphasized that there should be no bilateral talks with Russia, saying, "The EU and the US should not do anything about Ukraine without Ukraine."
US SUPPORTED A NEUTRAL RESOLUTION ON UKRAINE
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council accepted a resolution prepared by the US that reflects the US's policies on Ukraine, which displays a neutral stance, this past Monday. This decision was seen as a reflection of the Trump administration's policy of adopting a more conciliatory approach towards Russia.