During Thursday's UN Security Council meeting on Russia's bombing of Ukraine, the deputy US ambassador to the UN condemned the Russian strikes as “an inexplicable, dangerous and barbaric escalation”. She also referred to Russia's calls for diplomats to leave Kiev in connection with its intention to carry out “systematic” strikes against the Ukrainian capital.
— We warn Russia against carrying out the so-called systematic attacks on Kyiv, which they threaten further escalation and reduce the prospects for peace. We also note with grave concern Russia's apparent disregard for the protection afforded to diplomatic missions and staff under international law, in accordance with legal obligation, and add that diplomacy and negotiations are the only path to lasting peace, she said.
Nebenzia threatens Kiev again
Nevertheless, Russian representative Vasily Niebienzia on Thursday renewed threats of further attacks on Kyiv, which, according to him, are to be directed against command nodes and military infrastructure facilities.
Szczerski: responsibility is not optional
Polish ambassador Krzysztof Szczerski also commented on the issue of Russian threats
— Russia openly announced continuous and systematic attacks on Kiev, while calling on foreigners, including diplomatic personnel, to leave the city immediately, he noted. — Such threats are unacceptable, and especially the threats to embassies and diplomats repeated today at this very council constitute a flagrant violation of one of the most important international treaties – the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, he added. He warned countries not to be intimidated by Russia and allow it to go unpunished.
— If we allow terror to go unpunished, we will go beyond the very foundations of this Council and the United Nations. Accountability is not optional, but essential, he said.
Melnyk on the threat of invasion from Belarus
Apart from the issue of Russian bombings and Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, the ambassador of Ukraine Andriy Melnyk also drew attention to loss of sovereignty by Belarus and the risk of a possible invasion from the north. He noted, however, that he hoped this would not happen.
— There should be no doubt that Ukraine will defend itself in strict accordance with Article 51 of the (United Nations) Charter. Any attack from the north will trigger an immediate and decisive response, and the regime in Minsk will suffer devastating consequences, he threatened.
