Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday, spoke at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where he urged, “Either remove Russia as the aggressor or, if you can’t do anything, then dissolve yourself as an entity”. 

Zelensky referred to Article 1, Chapter 1 of the UN Charter, questioning “And now the UN Charter has been violated literally, starting with Article 1. What is the point of all the other articles?”. His words come after the discovery of mass graves of civilians in cities like Bucha, around Kyiv. 

What does the UN charter say?

The charter outlines the purpose of the UN. It is meant to maintain international peace as well as security. Thus, the UN has to take effective measures, collectively, to prevent and remove threats to peace. It should also suppress acts of aggression that breach peace, and “in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace”.

Also Read | India ‘unequivocally condemns Bucha killings’, calls for investigation

The UN has to develop friendly relations among countries on the basis of the principle of equal rights and self-determination of people. It strives to strengthen universal peace as well. 

Further, the UN has to achieve international cooperation when it comes to solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character. It is also meant to promote and encourage respect for human rights as well as fundamental freedoms for everyone, without distinguishing on the basis of race, sex, language, or religion. 

Lastly, the UN is supposed to act as a centre to harmonize the actions of nations to attain these common goals. 

How is Russia violating the UN charter? 

Zelensky’s statement of the charter being “violated literally” holds true since international peace and security have been compromised since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. Since then, the war that’s been brewing has been the largest in Europe since World War II. 

Although the UN has held several meetings and mulled over actions, the body has been unable to stem aggressive acts breaching the peace. Moreover, Russia’s membership in the UNSC makes it easier for the nation to exercise veto power and halt UN steps taken against Moscow. 

While the UN is supposed to champion self-determination, Putin’s troops have been sent into the neighbouring country to “denazify” and “demilitarize” it, as the Russian head of state didn’t want independent Ukraine to become a NATO member. 

Also Read | China wants peace in Ukraine, but mum on ‘Bucha massacre’

Zelensky’s critique of Russia violating the UN charter also holds true when it comes to the body’s task of promoting and encouraging respect for human lives. In cities like Mariupol, Russian shelling has targeted civilians, leaving many desperate and attacking each other for food. 

What is the UN doing?

For starters, the UN has recognized the Bucha massacre, with Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson Liz Throssell saying “What we have seen emerging from Bucha and from other areas clearly points to very disturbing developments. That the brutality, the targeting of the civilians really underscores that this is so concerning. You know, really looking at the video and the footage coming out of there is all the signs that the victims were directly targeted and directly killed”, CNN reported. 

Also Read | What is behind Zelensky’s changed stance on Russia-Ukraine peace talks?

Meanwhile, the US has also called for Russia to be suspended from the Human Rights Council, with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield saying, “Russia should not have a position of authority in a body whose very purpose is to promote respect for human rights. Not only is it the height of hypocrisy, it is dangerous”.