Only path to ending war is compelling Russia to retreat completely - Ukrainian UN envoy

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of enforcing “violent mobilization,” forbidding retreats, and seeking a ceasefire only to “make sure that their defeated forces get a long-awaited breather."

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz urged all sides to halt the fighting, saying “diplomacy is the only path to a durable and just peace.” He said Washington had offered Russia “generous terms,” including sanctions relief, but warned that civilian casualties continue to mount as Russia presses its attacks.

Ukraine’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn told the council that Russia struck the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia during the meeting itself.

The attack on Zaporizhzhia killed five people and injured three, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Pictures posted by Fedorov online showed buildings engulfed by flames and streets strewn with rubble. The governor had earlier issued a warning of an impending attack by Russian guided bombs.

With another winter approaching in the nearly four-year-old war, Russian troops occupy almost one-fifth of Ukraine and are slowly advancing while bombarding Ukrainian energy supplies and cities as the cold winter sets in.

Hayovyshyn described Russia's occupation as “state terror and genocide” aimed at extinguishing Ukrainian identity. Hayovyshyn said Kyiv is prepared to work with the United States, Europe and others on a draft peace plan but stressed red lines, including no recognition of territory occupied by Russia.

“There is only one realistic path to ending this war: Russia must be compelled to retreat economically, politically and militarily,” she said.