February 24, 2022
Late last night, just minutes after Russian troops had launched an invasion of his country, Ukraine’s U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya addressed the Security Council here in New York City. Zeroing in on the current President of that body, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, he urged the Russian to pick up a phone, call Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tell him to stop the aggression. Then, staring right at the Russian, Kyslytsya pointedly informed him “there is no purgatory for war criminals. They go straight to hell, Ambassador.”
The exchange begins at 1:16 on this video.
“This morning Russia launched a new military operation against our state. This is an unjustified deceitful and cynical invasion.
“There are strikes on military and other important defense facilities, border units are under attack, the situation in the Donbas has degraded.
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine, all special and law enforcement agencies of the state are on alert. The National Security and Defense Council is working in an emergency mode.
“Martial law will be imposed.
“Our diplomats are informing the world about what is happening. Ukrainians will never give up their freedom and independence to anyone. Only we, all citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our future since 1991. But now the fate of not only our state is being decided, but also what life in Europe will be like.
“Whether at least something of the force of international law remains will depend on the world’s fair and just response to this aggression.
“Civilians of Ukraine should stay at home. Warn your loved ones about what is happening. Take care of those who need help.
“All thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers.
“Glory to Ukraine!”
~ President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Photo credit: screencapped United Nations video.