Russian envoy criticises UN for letting Zelenskyy speak remotely

Russia’s deputy envoy to the UN has criticised Albania’s presidency of the Security Council for allowing Zelenskyy to speak via video link and “at the last minute,” which the envoy said violated standard practice, Moscow’s state TASS news agency reports.

“We are seriously concerned over the stance of the Albanian presidency with regard to participation of President Zelenskyy of Ukraine in this meeting. There have been no consultations with all council members on this issue. The delegations were confronted with this fact at the last minute. This violates the existing practice and working methods of the Security Council,” Dmitry Polyansky told the council on Tuesday.

Representatives need to be physically present in the Security Council chamber, according to standard practice, Polyansky said.

“The Security Council should not turn into a platform where President Zelenskyy… can angle for more NATO weapons,” Polyansky added, according to TASS.