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Striving for peace in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Baerbock travels to the United Nations
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at the UN General Assembly, © Florian Gaertner/photothek.de
Russia has been waging a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine for a year now. In New York on Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly is discussing a resolution for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
On the eve of the anniversary of Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine, the countries of the world are meeting for an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister Baerbock will represent the Federal Government at this important session.
Before leaving for New York, she said:
One year on, it is just as clear as it was in the harrowing early hours of 24 February 2022: an utterly blameless Ukraine is being subjected to a war of aggression at the hands of Russia. No‑one except Russia wants this war. We want peace; Ukraine and the world need peace. That is what the UN General Assembly will advocate when it convenes today in New York. We are channelling all our diplomatic efforts to ensure the world speaks in a loud and clear voice today so that it will finally also be heard in Moscow.
Foreign Minister Baerbock will also address the United Nations Security Council on Friday and call on Russia to meet its responsibility for peace in Ukraine.
The Security Council is the most important body for the maintenance of international peace and security. It comprises fifteen members: ten non‑permanent members each elected for two‑year terms, plus the five permanent members, which include Russia. Article 27 of the Charter of the United Nations gives the permanent members of the Security Council a special right of veto: no Council decisions binding in international law can be taken if the permanent members do not vote in favour. What originally emerged from the special role of the allied victors after the Second World War, as a means to emphasise their responsibility for world peace in the mid‑20th century, is now being abused by Russia to shield its illegal attack on Ukraine from countermeasures by the United Nations.
They are broadcast live by the United Nations: