Of the Russian Federation in the UN: Yanukovych asked Putin to engage the Russian troops in Ukraine
President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych appealed to the Russian authorities to use their armed forces to ensure constitutional order in his country. This was stated by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vitaly Churkin, speaking on Monday, 3 in March, at an open meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Ukraine.Churkin read a letter from Yanukovich, dated March 1, to Security Council members. He, in particular, writes that "the events on Maidan, the illegal seizure of power in Kiev led to the fact that Ukraine was on the verge of a civil war." "In this regard, I appeal to Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin with a request to use the armed forces of the Russian Federation to restore law, peace, law and order, stability and protection of the population of Ukraine" (quoted in ITAR-TASS).
After that, Churkin showed members of the Security Council a photocopy of the original appeal of Yanukovych.
Addressing Security Council members, Churkin stressed: Russia calls on Western countries to take a responsible approach to the situation in Ukraine, postponing geopolitical calculations, and be guided by the interests of the Ukrainian people.
According to the diplomat, “those who try to interpret the situation almost as aggression threaten with all sorts of sanctions and boycotts” are the same countries that “consistently and persistently encouraged political forces close to them to ultimatums and refusal of dialogue, to ignore the concerns of the south and eastern Ukraine, and ultimately to the polarization of Ukrainian society. "
The diplomat stressed that the Russian position on the situation in the neighboring country "was and remains consistently open." "If for some Western politicians, Ukraine is only a territory of a geopolitical game, then for us it is a fraternal country with which we are associated with a common centuries-old history"he said, adding that Russia is interested in a stable and strong Ukraine, in which" the legal rights and interests of Ukrainians, our compatriots and all citizens are ensured. "
"In the extraordinary situation that has developed through no fault of our own, when the life and safety of the inhabitants of Crimea and the southeastern regions are in real danger because of the irresponsible and provocative actions of Bandera and other ultranationalist elements, we would like to emphasize once again that Russia's actions are completely adequate and legitimate "- said the diplomat.
An example of US actions in Grenada
At the same time, according to Churkin, Russia will not allow the repetition of events in the Crimea in central Ukraine and other regions of the country. “Do you really think that Russia can allow the repetition of what was in central Ukraine in these regions? In eastern, southern Ukraine and in the Crimea, where millions of Russians live?” - He turned to the audience at the meeting.
He recalled that in 1983, the United States had deployed troops to Grenada. "At the same time, President (Ronald) Reagan said that the United States protects American citizens who live there. There are one thousand people there. And there was no threat from the Grenadian authorities. And we have millions of citizens in Crimea who fear such atrocities "- said the permanent representative of the Russian Federation.
At the Security Council meeting, Western countries, including the United States, Britain, France, and with them Ukraine, stated that Russia's fears about the fate of the Russian-speaking population of Crimea cannot serve as an excuse for activating the armed forces on the peninsula.
The permanent representative of Ukraine, Yuriy Sergeev, declared on behalf of the Russian-speaking community of the country that he does not feel any threat and does not see the need for conducting "peacekeeping operations."
Russia insists on returning to February 21 agreements
Russia insists that in order to resolve the situation in Ukraine, it is necessary to return to the agreements from February 21, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation said at a UN Security Council meeting.
"It is necessary to ensure the fulfillment of the obligations enshrined in the agreement of 21 February, including the beginning of the process of constitutional reform with the participation and full consideration of all regions of Ukraine," Churkin said, according to Interfax.
At the same time, Churkin noted that this reform subsequently "must be approved at a national referendum in order to form a legitimate government of national unity, taking into account all political forces and regions of the country."
US Permanent Representative: Russia Has Alternative Alternatives to Military Intervention
The possible military intervention of Russia in the situation in Ukraine may indicate that Moscow does not intend to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through diplomacy, said US Permanent Representative to the UN Samantha Power at a meeting of the World Organization’s Security Council.
“When a military operation seems to be the main way to resolve such a crisis situation, it’s hard not to come to the conclusion that Russia does not want peace and a diplomatic solution,” she said, as Interfax reports.
At the same time, Power noted that "Russia has a large number of opportunities to protect the Russian-speaking population (in Ukraine), in addition to military intervention."
"Why does Russia not support international mediators? Why does it not support the idea of sending a mission of international observers? Why not enter into direct negotiations with the Ukrainian authorities who want to resolve this crisis peacefully?" - asked Power.
The US insists that so far there is no evidence that the population of Crimea is threatened by the new Ukrainian authorities, the US Permanent Representative to the UN continued. "Military intervention cannot be justified by non-existent threats," Power said. According to her, "the mobilization of the Russian military is a response to a fictional threat."
The UN Security Council has already met twice in connection with the situation in Ukraine last week. On Friday, the members of the Security Council held a closed meeting, and on Saturday they held discussions in open mode. Both times, the permanent representative of Ukraine to the UN, Yuri Sergeyev, was invited.
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