A message to Russia: The Hindu editorial on Moscow’s suspension from the UN Human Rights Council

Russia’s suspension from the United Nations Human Rights Council The civilian killings in Ukraine have come under the global spotlight. The US-sponsored resolution was approved in the United Nations General Assembly by 93 votes against 24, which included India. Russia has since faced heavy criticism Dead bodies found in the streets of Bucas, a northern Ukrainian city from which Russian troops withdrew after the Istanbul talks. Russia has claimed it to be “staged events and fake”. While the truth must be established in a UN-monitored independent investigation, there is no doubt that civilians were targeted. At least 1,611 civilians have been killed and 2,227 wounded in Ukraine since the war began, according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Russia cannot escape its responsibility for these losses. when russia started attackIn , President Vladimir Putin said that the main objective of the “special military operation” was the “demilitarization and demilitarization” of Ukraine. Considering the three-front war launched by Russia, it was clear that Moscow wanted to accomplish its real objectives – whatever they were – quickly. But Ukraine’s fierce resistance, especially in the north, has changed the course of the conflict, which now looks like a war centered on Ukraine’s east.

Now, both Ukraine and Russia are in difficult situations. Ukrainians, with military and financial aid from the west, have retreated to the north, but lost territories to the east and south. Given the power imbalance, it is unlikely that Ukraine will be able to reclaim lost territories. Russia appears to be now stuck on the battlefield, with increasing international criticism over its combat conduct. A cessation of hostilities and a diplomatic solution are in the best interest of all parties. The Istanbul talks had opened the way for peace. In line with Ukraine’s resolutions, President Zelensky has agreed to accept neutrality in exchange for multilateral security assurances. He is also set for a 15-year consultation period for Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and discussed the situation in the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk republics at a summit with Mr. It was only after these proposals that the Russians announced their withdrawal from the north. But the Buka killings appear to have tarnished the peace process. The investigation into civilian killings should run in parallel and not derail the diplomatic process. Russia should follow up on its words with more demonstrative actions to end hostilities. The war has damaged its economy and its reputation as a great power, while Ukraine has suffered inexplicable damage and destruction. The most important message from the United Nations to Moscow is to stop the fire and immediately adopt the path of diplomacy.