Global leaders clash at UN over Ukraine's occupied territories

Friday 05 September 2025 - 11:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Global leaders clash at UN over Ukraine's occupied territories

World leaders convened at the United Nations General Assembly on September 4, 2025, marking 1,289 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to address the critical situation in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. The discussions were marked by sharp exchanges between Ukrainian, Russian, and Western representatives, reflecting the ongoing stalemate in diplomatic efforts despite recent high-level meetings.

Ukraine calls for international action

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, Mariana Betsa, delivered a powerful speech at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing that Russia's strategic objectives remain unchanged after 12 years of aggression. "Russia's goals for these 12 years have not changed. Its strategy is to destroy Ukraine as a country, to destroy Ukraine as a nation," Betsa stated.

She highlighted the dire conditions faced by the 1.5 million people living in the occupied territories, accusing Russia of pursuing a deliberate policy of forced demographic change. Ukrainians are reportedly being deported to remote areas of Russia, while Russian citizens are resettled in their homes. Betsa particularly underscored the plight of Crimea, describing it as a "prison under open skies," where 280 Ukrainian citizens, including 163 Crimean Tatars, are currently imprisoned.

Her remarks came amidst renewed Russian attacks. A missile strike on September 4 near Chernihiv killed two Danish humanitarian deminers, while an artillery assault on Kostiantynivka on September 3 claimed nine civilian lives.

Russia defends its territorial claims

Russia's Permanent Representative, Vasily Nebenzya, countered Ukraine's accusations by portraying the annexation of Crimea and eastern Ukrainian regions as the "restoration of historical justice" and the "will of the people." He asserted that any lasting peace must acknowledge the "new territorial realities" resulting from Crimea's and four other regions' integration into Russia.

Nebenzya dismissed Ukraine’s allegations as "a new set of fairy tales" and claimed that Russia had implemented over 300 measures to integrate the territories into its infrastructure, economy, healthcare, and education systems. He blamed the conflict on what he called the "Russophobic policies of the neo-Nazi regime" in Kyiv, supported by the West.

Western powers maintain pressure

UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward delivered one of the strongest rebukes, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to "agree to an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire and withdraw Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory." She cited systemic violations in the occupied regions, including severe restrictions on freedoms, deportation of children, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

US Deputy Representative Dorothy Shea discussed recent diplomatic efforts by President Trump, including his August 15 meeting with Putin in Alaska and follow-up discussions at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. However, Shea noted that mere days after these talks, Russia launched its second-largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began.

Diplomatic efforts persist amid skepticism

As the UN debate unfolded, European leaders met with Zelenskyy in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Reports indicate that 26 countries have committed to providing troops as a "reassurance force" following any potential ceasefire. However, ongoing Russian attacks cast doubt on Moscow's commitment to peace talks, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte asserting that Russia should have no say in troop deployments in Ukraine.

The General Assembly session highlighted entrenched positions on all sides, with no immediate breakthrough in sight. While diplomatic channels remain open, the persistent violence in Ukraine's occupied territories continues to complicate efforts toward a negotiated resolution. The debate underscored deep divisions within the international community, as Russia maintains its territorial claims while Ukraine and its Western allies demand the full restoration of Ukrainian sovereignty.