Russian
President Vladimir Putin should admit he cannot win the war in Ukraine, German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said. In his first intervention at the UN General
Assembly, Scholz denounced what he termed Putin’s imperial ambitions and warned
that such ambitions risk destroying Ukraine and Russia. Scholz went on to
say Germany and the international community would not consent to a peace
dictated by Russia.
The German Chancellor also
announced that on October 25 Berlin would play host to a conference
focusing on the reconstruction of Ukraine. As for the intention of the
so-called authorities instated by Moscow in the occupied Ukrainian territories
to stage referendums on the annexation of those territories by Russia, Scholz
called the alleged grassroots consultations fictitious and
unacceptable. In turn, French president Emmanuel Macron labeled the
referendum a parody. Macron accused Russia that, through its
invasion of Ukraine in late February this year, it made possible a lapse back
in time, to the age of imperialism and colonialism. France rejects this
and will steadfastly search for peace, President Macron pledged.
Romania continues to
support the neighboring Ukraine, President Klaus Iohannis said in his
address to the UN General Assembly. Iohannis recalled Romania offered direct
humanitarian assistance to the more than 2.3 million Ukrainian refugees who
have crossed Romania’s borders since the outbreak of the war. The Romanian
president also clearly stated there was no justification for the military
aggression against a sovereign state.
Klaus Iohannis: We know
that our response, especially to this war, will shape our common future.
Our support for peace should be voiced now, louder than ever. In defending our
universal values, it is essential to stay united and bring everyone on board, including
those who are still hesitating. Engagement and dialogue are crucial to
overcoming divisions and, at the same time, to counter the spread of falsehoods
and propaganda.
Russia is rushing to hold sham
referendums in Ukraine, the White House National Security Advisor, Jake
Sullivan, said. The US high-ranking official also reiterated that the
United States will never recognize Russia’s claims to any purportedly annexed parts
of Ukraine. According to Sullivan, such referendums, as well as Moscow’s
intention to amass more military forces in Ukraine, stand proof of the deadlock
Russian troops find themselves in, having no choice other than withdrawing from
several regions they had occupied as early as February this year. In
conclusion, the White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, said these are not actions of
the competent country. These are not acts of strength, quite the opposite. (EN)