Wed Sep 25 08:18:20 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine and Russia Clash at UN as War Enters 30th Month

**New York/Moscow:** Tensions escalated at the United Nations as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for increased international pressure on Russia to end its 2.5-year invasion. Addressing the UN Security Council, Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions as “an international crime,” highlighting the destruction of Ukrainian cities and villages. He urged the international community to “force Russia into peace,” arguing that the war cannot be resolved through talks alone.

Zelensky is seeking backing for a “victory plan” to be presented to US President Joe Biden this week, which includes securing western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia and a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. Meanwhile, he’s also pushing for a “peace formula” that would see Russia withdraw its forces, pay reparations, and face justice for alleged war crimes.

However, the Kremlin has firmly rejected these calls. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labelled any attempt to force Russia into peace as a “fatal mistake,” claiming that Russia will only make peace when its security concerns are addressed and its goals in the “special military operation” are achieved.

Adding to the already tense situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened the use of nuclear weapons if Russia were to be attacked by conventional missiles, even if the attack was supported by a nuclear power. He stated that Russia would consider such an attack as a “joint attack.” This announcement came after deliberations in the US and Britain about providing Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking inside Russia.

Further escalating the situation, Zelensky expressed concern over Russia’s occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest. He warned that Russia’s alleged intention to disrupt power to other Ukrainian nuclear plants could lead to a catastrophic nuclear disaster.

Despite escalating tensions, the Russian military claims to have seized more settlements in the eastern Donetsk region, including the villages of Hostre and Hryhorivka and the town of Vuhledar. However, the Ukrainian governor of the area claims that Vuhledar is still under Ukrainian control.

The war in Ukraine continues to drag on with no clear path to resolution, leaving the international community facing a critical moment in determining the future of the conflict.

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