‘Fatal mistake’ to force Russia into peace, Kremlin tells Ukraine’s Zelensky

UNITED NATIONS - Russia said on Sept 25 that a plan by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to force it to make peace was a “fatal mistake” that would have consequences for Kyiv.

Mr Zelensky told the UN Security Council on Sept 24 that the war between Russia and Ukraine cannot be calmed by talks alone, but that Russia must be forced into peace.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a call with reporters, said: “Such a position is a fatal mistake, a systemic mistake. This is a profound misconception that will inevitably have consequences for the Kyiv regime.”

He added: “Russia is a supporter of peace, but on the condition that the foundations of its security are ensured.”

Mr Zelensky has sought the support of Western leaders for what he calls

a “victory plan” to end the war

that began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of his country in February 2022.

Mr Zelensky said the war would end one day but not because “someone got tired of the war” or through a trade with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a reference to proposals that Ukraine cede some territory seized by Russia to settle the conflict.

“This war cannot be calmed by talks. Action is needed,” Mr Zelensky said, thanking nations that have provided Ukraine support.

“Putin has broken so many international norms and rules that he won’t stop on his own, Russia can only be forced into peace and that is exactly what’s needed, forcing Russia into peace, as the sole aggressor in this war, the sole violator of the UN Charter,” he added.

Ukraine faces an uncertain future. A victory by former president Donald Trump over Vice-President Kamala Harris in the Nov 5 US election could prompt a reset of Washington’s policy on Ukraine, which relies heavily on US military and financial support.

Mr Zelensky has said that if his plan is backed by the West, it will have a broad impact on Moscow, including a psychological one that could help compel Mr Putin to end the war diplomatically.

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia spoke up at the meeting to reject the council hosting Mr Zelensky. “Western countries could not refrain from poisoning the atmosphere once again, trying to fill the airtime with the hackneyed Ukrainian issue,” he said of the meeting.

Mr Putin said in June that Russia would end the war in Ukraine only if Kyiv agreed to drop its ambitions to join Nato and to hand over the entirety of four regions claimed by Moscow, demands Kyiv swiftly rejected as tantamount to surrender.

Ukraine and its Western allies say the Russian leader must be prevented from winning the war because, if not stopped, he will threaten other neighbouring states.

Mr Putin has cast the conflict as an existential struggle for Russia while denying he has any interest in expanding the war to other countries.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the 15-member council that Russia’s war in Ukraine was a clear violation of the founding UN Charter.

“I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately,” he said.

“And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.” REUTERS