Today at 17:23
UN General Assembly – Ukrainian Expectations Explained. Member of Ukrainian Parliament Yevheniia Kravchuk answers UATV English questions.
— Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will speak at the UN Security Council meeting on September 24th, where the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be discussed. Reports suggest that the meeting is being chaired by Slovenia. In your opinion, how effective is this appeal, and in general, how effective is the UN General Assembly?
— Well, you have to differentiate between the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. The General Assembly brings together all countries to discuss various issues.
However, the Security Council is more complex, still echoing the post-World War II structure. Russia, having taken over the USSR’s seat, complicates things, especially considering its role in the current conflict. The Security Council desperately needs reform.
While the General Assembly allows global discussions, it’s essential for President Zelenskyy to speak there.
— I see. I attended the previous General Assembly in New York and heard Zelenskyy speak. However, this time, my expectations are low. What about you?
— Do you mean low expectations regarding the other countries’ responses or the UN’s actual actions?
— More about the results. I hear a lot of talking, but I doubt there will be real action.
— You’re right to have reservations. I wouldn’t expect many actions from the UN as an organization, given its lack of mandate. Even the Security Council, with more power, is blocked by Russia. Countries like India question why they aren’t on the Security Council, given their global significance.
Reform is needed, especially for the Security Council. The General Assembly is more of a forum for discussion than action.
— So, what does Ukraine want from this Assembly?
— We’re not expecting the General Assembly to end the war. There aren’t tools to pressure Russia directly. However, we hope to garner more support for the international world order, which Ukraine is defending.
One of the important aspects of this Assembly is the opportunity for global leaders to meet, such as the anticipated meeting between Zelenskyy and President Biden.
— Reuters mentioned Zelenskyy would present a “victory plan” to Biden. Have you seen it, and how does it differ from the peace plan?
— I don’t expect much difference. It will likely emphasize Ukraine’s NATO membership as a long-term security solution, not just for Ukraine but for Eastern Europe as a whole. Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan is based on the UN Charter, but we need political will to push for NATO membership.
— Exactly. Do you think we’ll hear leaders openly support Ukraine’s NATO membership this time?
— That’s hard to say. NATO is enshrined in Ukraine’s constitution, but many fear that Ukraine joining NATO could spark a larger war. Interestingly, after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Finland and Sweden joined NATO, bringing new NATO borders to Russia. So, these fears seem more like stereotypes than reality.
Read also: Kursk operation and permission of strikes got Putin in troubles. Interview with John Herbst
