Zelensky calls on UN to visit site of Ukraine mall strike

Speaking by video from Kyiv and clad in a trademark olive green shirt, the Ukrainian leader also called on members of the Council — including Russia — to hold a minute’s silence for those killed in the war so far.

Read More: Zelensky condemns ‘terrorist’ shopping mall strike

In reference to the attack that took place on Monday, in which at least 18 individuals lost their lives, Zelensky stated, “I suggest that the United Nations send either a special representative, or the secretary-general of the United Nations… so that the UN could independently find out information and see that this indeed was a Russian missile strike.”

In addition, he requested the UN to legally define the phrase “terrorist state,” claiming that Moscow’s February 24 invasion of his nation showed “the urgent imperative to codify it, literally, at the level of the United Nations and punish any terrorist state.”

Zelensky spoke at the emergency session of the Security Council after Monday’s missile strike set off a blaze inside the crowded shopping center in Kremenchuk.

In addition to the 18 confirmed dead, dozens were injured and many are still missing, authorities have said.

The Russian army claimed Tuesday it had hit a nearby weapons depot with the explosion sparking the blaze at the shopping center, which according to Moscow was “not operational” at the time.

But residents have dismissed that claim, telling AFP they knew of no arms being stored in the area.

Russia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations repeated those claims to the Security Council on Tuesday, and complained about Zelensky’s appearance, saying that the UN “should not be turned into a platform for a remote PR campaign for President Zelensky in order to get more weapons” from NATO.

Prior to Zelensky’s remarks, UN Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo informed the Security Council that the UN has now reported over 10,600 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 4,731 fatalities. She said that the genuine cost was “considerably greater.”

Zelensky last addressed the Security Council on April 5.

Prior to the emergency session, France, Ireland, Norway, Britain, the United States and Albania, as well as Ukraine’s ambassador issued a joint statement in which they said they “strongly condemn the intensification of Russian missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, over the period of 25-27 June 2022.”

Read More: Zelensky urges the United States to identify Russia as a supporter of terrorism

That included the strike on the shopping mall, which they called a “blatant attack” on civilians.

They demanded Russia immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine.