Guterres: The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused the most massive human rights violations in the world today

War in Ukraine – 368th day

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Ukrainian soldier in the vicinity of Bakhmut, Photo: Reuters
Ukrainian soldier in the vicinity of Bakhmut, Photo: Reuters
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.
Ažurirano: 27.02.2023. 22:07h
Live blog
21h AM

The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused the most massive violations of human rights in the world today, announced the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres.

Speaking before the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Guterres said the Russian invasion had spread death, destruction and displacement.

"Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure caused many victims and terrible suffering," Guterres said, reports AP.

He said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, now 75 years old, is too often abused.

"It is used for political gain and often ignored by the same people," Guterres said.

(MINE)

21h AM

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday that her first visit to Ukraine underscores Washington's commitment to continued economic support for the country.

After the conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, Jelen announced that the USA provided almost 50 billion dollars in security, economic and humanitarian aid and announced another multi-billion dollar package to strengthen Ukraine's economy.

Shmyhal expressed his gratitude to the USA for its support and hailed Yelen as a "friend of Ukraine". He said that Ukraine's budget deficit is now $38 billion and that the US will provide another $10 billion in aid by September.

Shmyhal and Yelen also discussed sanctions aimed at weakening the Russian economy, as well as the possibility of using frozen Russian funds to help Ukraine's economic recovery.

Jelen repeated the message of US President Joseph Biden that Washington will stay with Ukraine as long as necessary. She emphasized the importance of the fight against corruption, and praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for introducing measures to ensure transparency in how aid is spent.

The US official also visited a renovated school whose windows were blown out by a Russian missile blast in March. She also announced an additional transfer of $1,2 billion, the first tranche of a $10 billion aid package.

"Efficient government is necessary for Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian attacks and other emergencies," Jelen emphasized. "Our economic support enables the functioning of basic public services. These services maintain economic and social stability in Ukraine.

Addressing the students and teachers of the school, Jelen said that they are helping to "write history in a country that is a central force in the history of the free world."

"America stands with you in this fight for freedom, and we will stand with you and help you rebuild."

Yelen also spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and other high-ranking officials, including the head of the National Bank of Ukraine.

Zelenski and Jelen
Zelenski and Jelenphoto: Reuters

In a post on Telegram after the meeting with Yelen, Zelenski stated that "it is necessary to strengthen additional sanctions in order to deprive Russia of the possibility to finance the war."

Jelen also laid flowers on the Wall of Remembrance dedicated to fallen soldiers and met with Ukrainian landmine removal experts, whose equipment was financed by US funds. 

(Voice of America)

21h AM

The military situation around the city of Bakhmut, the focal point of the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine, is becoming increasingly difficult, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said today, reports Reuters.

"In the Bakhmut sector, the situation is constantly becoming more and more difficult," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

He added that "the enemy is constantly destroying everything that can be used to protect our fortification and defense positions."

"Our soldiers defending the area around Bahmut are real heroes," Zelenski said.

10h AM

China has always maintained relations with all parties in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, including Kiev, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

She added that China will take decisive countermeasures in response to US sanctions, reports Reuters.

"We regret and refuse to accept such a move," Mao added, responding to questions about sanctions against Chinese companies.

08h AM

The commander of operations of the joint forces of Ukraine, Eduard Mihailovych Moskalov, has been relieved of his duties, announced the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Major General Moskalov was appointed to the post in March last year when Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk was appointed head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.

Zelensky did not give an explanation for Moskalov's dismissal, which is just one in a long line of changes in high-ranking government officials ordered by the president of Ukraine.

07h AM

War in Ukraine – 368th day.

"I know who will kill Putin in the end, it will be someone from his closest circle of close advisers," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the documentary "The Year" by Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Komarov.

Zelensky predicts that at some point there will be a "crack" in Putin's leadership, which will encourage the Russian president's allies to turn against him, Index reports.

"Then the carnivores will eat the carnivores. This is very important and they will need a reason to justify it. They will remember the words of Komarov, Zelensky... They will remember our words. They will find a reason to kill the murderer. Will they succeed? Yes. When? I don't know Zelenski said in the documentary.

In the same documentary, the Ukrainian president showed the public where he lives and sleeps since the beginning of the invasion on February 24 last year.

Television cameras captured the makeshift accommodation, which includes a single bed, a desk, a TV and a wardrobe. He also revealed that he currently exclusively wears military boots and jackets, but also that he keeps one suit in his closet.

"It's a symbol that the war will soon be over. We will win."

A documentary film about the war in Ukraine was released on the anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion

Change: 07:13 p.m

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