Blinken's Powerful Address Spotlights the Devastating Human Consequences of Ukraine's War, Fueling Washington's Support for Kyiv
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, highlights the devastating toll of the Ukraine war during his UN speech Sharing his visit to Yahidne, a town previously occupied by Russian soldiers, he emphasizes the urgent need for continued support to Kyiv
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commenced his address to the United Nations Security Council by sharing his recent visit to Yahidne - a town in Ukraine, located approximately two hours north of Kyiv, that had been under Russian occupation.
"I mention this because, when we are here in this chamber, it is important not to lose sight of the experiences of those in Ukraine who have suffered from Russia's aggression," Blinken acknowledged, addressing his fellow diplomats in attendance, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Russian forces conducted house-to-house searches, forcefully gathering residents and escorting them, at gunpoint, to a nearby elementary school. At the school, they confined over 300 villagers, predominantly women, children, and elderly individuals, in cramped basement rooms devoid of windows, ventilation, and running water. These innocent civilians endured nearly a month of imprisonment, with such overcrowding that breathing became a challenge. The Russians deprived them of medical assistance and permitted the removal of their deceased loved ones merely once daily, as detailed by Blinken.
He continued, stating that individuals had no choice but to endure hours in the presence of their deceased loved ones, including children, parents, husbands, and wives. Additionally, he mentioned that the age range of the victims varied greatly, with the oldest being 93 years old and the youngest only 6 weeks old.
The attempt by the leading US diplomats to draw attention to the devastating realities of the conflict in Ukraine coincides with the Biden administration's efforts to sustain backing for Kyiv amidst increasing resistance in Congress and the ongoing threat of war with no clear resolution in sight.
On Wednesday, Blinken will join other national security officials, such as Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, CIA Director Bill Burns, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in providing a briefing to the Senate on the situation in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to be in the US capital on Thursday, embarking on a crucial visit after his participation at the UN, aiming to bolster support and persuade lawmakers against reducing aid.
The Biden administration recently urged Congress to authorize an extra $24 billion in emergency expenditure for Ukraine and other international requirements. On Thursday morning, Zelensky will hold meetings with all senators, and during an interview with CNN, he expressed his intention to meet with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy, however, has not indicated whether he will endorse the additional funding for Ukraine, as he faces opposition from certain members of his party.
Blinken, in an interview with ABC News on Wednesday, expressed optimism regarding the potential funding conflict by stating that "support remains strong."
He further emphasized that President Zelenskyy's visit to Washington offers an opportunity to remind people of the importance at hand. It is not solely a matter of moral obligation due to Russia's appalling transgressions in Ukraine, but also a critical necessity.
Blinken, in his address to the UN Security Council, aimed to reinforce the idea that in the ongoing war, one party is the aggressor while the other is the victim. He accused Moscow of violating the UN charter, committing war crimes, engaging in dangerous nuclear posturing, using hunger as a weapon, collaborating with Iran to attack Ukrainian civilians, and potentially seeking weaponry from North Korea.
He remarked, "It is difficult to conceive of a nation showing greater disregard for the United Nations and its principles, especially considering its permanent seat on this council."
Zelensky criticized the United Nations body, in which Russia holds veto power, for its inadequate efforts in preventing the war. He expressed that Ukrainian soldiers are currently taking actions, at the expense of their own blood, that should be carried out by the voting mechanism of the UN Security Council. Their actions entail thwarting aggression and upholding the fundamental principles outlined in the UN Charter.
