President Zelensky: Crimea Annexation and Russia’s Aggression in Donbas Prove Humanity Did Not Learn World War II Lessons (video)

The Crimea annexation and the Russian Federation’s military aggression in Donbas testified that humanity did not digest the lessons of the Second World War. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in a video address to the participants of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“75 years ago, the creation of the United Nations establishment became a symbol that humanity had to learn the tragic lesson of World War II. But the Crimea occupation and Russia’s military aggression in Donbas prove that this lesson has not been learned,” the head of state said.

He stressed that the war in Ukraine is a war in Europe. That is not just an encroachment on the sovereignty of an independent state, but “an attempt to return to the influence spheres division in the world.”

The President of Ukraine stated that 75 years ago the states-founders of the United Nations abandoned contradictions to build a better world – “a world of peace, respect, international law rule, human rights, and truth.” However, the world of the 21st century is full of conflicts, aggression, dictatorships, and human rights violations.

“Over the past 75 years, humanity has climbed to the highest peaks, plunged into the deepest depressions, explored space, and even with the help of new technologies can hold UN meetings remotely. So, are we unable to stop aggression and war? Do we need new bloody lessons to reconsider our existence on this planet?” the President of Ukraine asked.

He called for other countries to return to the full implementation of the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

To recap, most world leaders have recorded a video address to the UN General Assembly, which this year is held mostly in a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bohdan Marusyak