UKRAINE

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky is today addressing the UN Security Council after saying it is in Kyiv’s best interest to have the most transparent investigation into the massacre of civilians in his country. Zelensky said on Monday night that at least 300 civilians were killed in Bucha, where mass graves and civilian corpses on the streets were found after Ukraine had regained control of the city. The Ukrainian president said he expected the number of victims to be even larger in Borodyanka and other towns seized by the Russians. Zelensky has accused Russia of genocide and has promised to bring to justice all Russian soldiers who committed these atrocities. US President Joe Biden has called for Vladimir Putin to be tried for war crimes, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU has set up a Joint Investigation Team with Ukraine to collect evidence and investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. In turn, the head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola has accused Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine. The Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vasyly Nebenzya, has denied any involvement of his country in the massacre in Bucha, calling the reports “a provocation.” The EU, the United States and their allies have announced new economic sanctions against Russia. Moreover, the United States and the UK called on Monday for Russia’s suspension from the UN Human Rights Council.