Vladimir Putin's Narrowing Options
American Conservative
Day 208 Roundup: Ukraine to Top UN General Assembly Agenda, Zelenskyy Promises No 'Lull' in War Effort
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Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Amid several global challenges, the war in Ukraine is set to dominate the agenda at this year's meeting of the UN's General Assembly, held annually in New York. While some heads of state were travelling for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, most are expected to return by Tuesday, when the general debate of the meeting kicks off.
Last week, following an objection from Russia, the UN voted to allow a pre-recorded address from Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy to be shown to the assembly. Typical UN rules require that all speeches be delivered in person, although they've been delivered virtually for the last three years due to COVID.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February demonstrated just how toothless and impotent the UN has become. Its system is too weak to take deterrent action, and has become an instrument of manipulation by powerful states. Before it can have a positive impact, it needs thorough and comprehensive reform.
Pro-establishment narrative
There are certainly some flaws within the UN that the invasion of Ukraine has exposed, but other features of its system have retained their usefulness. The charter provided Ukraine with an irrefutable legal standard of aggression that became the basis for international support, while Guterres has added his voice and prestige to condemnations of the Kremlin. The UN has provided a forum of acknowledged international legitimacy - through this, nations have denounced Russian aggression.
