Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an unannounced visit to Canada in a bid to garner support for his nation. Canadian television footage captured the moment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Mr. Zelensky on the runway in Ottawa. This visit marks Mr. Zelensky’s first trip to Canada since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Prior to arriving in Canada, President Zelensky had been in Washington, where he held discussions with US President Joe Biden and other political figures. His primary objective during the Washington visit was to secure additional funding to aid Ukraine in repelling the invading Russian forces. Earlier in the week, he had called upon world leaders to maintain their support for Ukraine at the United Nations in New York.

However, diplomatic tensions have been escalating, with Mr. Zelensky criticizing Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary for prohibiting the import of Ukrainian grain. Support for Ukraine’s war efforts is also becoming a contentious issue in some countries, as many find themselves stretched thin in terms of available resources.

Also Read: South Korean Leader Warns Russia on North’s Weapons Collaboration

In the United States, Republican skepticism regarding funding for the war is growing, despite President Biden’s appeals not to abandon Ukraine. President Biden underscored that Russia believes the world will eventually tire and permit the brutalization of Ukraine without repercussions.

The US Congress has already authorized over $110 billion (£89 billion) in aid to Ukraine, but opinion polls indicate a declining level of support among Americans for further expenditures. Many Republicans argue that the funds would be better allocated to domestic concerns. Nevertheless, during Mr. Zelensky’s visit, President Biden approved additional funding for Kyiv, totaling £265 million ($325 million), which includes enhancements to air defenses, though it does not include the long-range missiles that President Zelensky had been requesting.

Additionally, Poland announced on Wednesday that it would cease sending new weaponry to Ukraine and instead focus on bolstering its own defenses with more advanced weapons.

On Wednesday, South Korea’s president cautioned fellow global leaders regarding recent communication and potential collaboration between North Korea and Russia. He expressed concerns that any actions taken by a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to bypass international norms would be perilous and contradictory.

Addressing the U.N. General Assembly, Yoon Suk Yeol referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent visit to Russia, a member of the Security Council’s permanent five, the most influential group within the U.N.

During their meeting in Russia’s Far East, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at potential cooperation on defense matters but provided no concrete details. This ambiguity left South Korea and its allies, including the United States, uneasy.

Yoon emphasized the paradox of a permanent U.N. Security Council member entrusted with upholding global peace, engaging in warfare by invading another sovereign nation and receiving military support from a regime that openly violates Security Council resolutions. He delivered this message to fellow leaders during the second day of the U.N. General Assembly’s annual gathering.

Yoon further asserted that if North Korea were to enhance its weapons of mass destruction capabilities in exchange for providing conventional weaponry to Russia, such an arrangement would be unacceptable to South Korea. He argued that such a deal between Russia and North Korea would constitute a direct provocation endangering Ukraine, the Republic of Korea, and its allies and partners.

South Korea has expressed its support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, pledging $300 million in assistance for next year, with a support package valued at over $2 billion in the long term.

Yoon also highlighted the significant threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, not only to South Korea but also to peace in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.

Also Read: India’s Global Ties Isolate Canada in Khalistan Row: Explained

Foreign experts speculate that Russia and North Korea may pursue arms transfer agreements violating Security Council resolutions. Both countries are embroiled in disputes with Western nations and face international sanctions.

While concerns persist that Russian-North Korean cooperation could bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, it has also raised apprehensions in South Korea. Many fear that Russia’s transfer of advanced weapons technology could enable North Korea to acquire capabilities such as a functional spy satellite, a nuclear-powered submarine, and more potent missiles.

On Tuesday, South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Chang Ho-jin summoned the Russian ambassador to Seoul, Andrey Kulik, and called on Moscow to immediately cease its military cooperation with North Korea, warning of the negative consequences this could have on South Korea’s relations with Russia.

North Korea has been steadily expanding its nuclear arsenal for years, escalating regional tensions by threatening to use nuclear weapons in conflicts and conducting frequent missile tests, particularly in the past year.

In response, Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to expand joint military exercises, increase temporary deployments of U.S. strategic assets, and establish a bilateral nuclear consultative group in April.

The Korean Peninsula remains divided into South Korea, supported by the United States and following a capitalist system, and North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union’s successor states and adhering to a socialist ideology. This division dates back to the end of World War II in 1945 after the liberation from Japan’s colonial rule. The Korean War from 1950 to 1953 resulted in the enduring separation of the two countries, which technically remained in a state of war 70 years after an armistice was signed.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, presides over an autocratic government and represents the third generation of his family to rule, following his father, Kim Jong Il, who passed away in 2011, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, a former guerrilla leader who founded the state.

India is currently garnering attention from the United States and other countries as a potential counterbalance to China. This geopolitical shift leaves Canada, with its relatively small population of just 40 million, at a distinct diplomatic disadvantage.

This week, Canada revealed it possessed intelligence that could potentially link Indian government agents to the assassination of a pro-Khalistan Sikh leader. Typically, such news would provoke strong reactions among democratic allies, but this time, the response has been notably subdued.

Stephanie Carvin, an international relations professor at Ottawa’s Carleton University, explained, “India is crucial in Western strategies for balancing China, whereas Canada does not hold the same level of importance.” She emphasized that this situation places Canada at odds with other Western nations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that Canada was actively investigating credible allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Canada had already been discussing this matter with key allies like the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

However, the response from these allies has been restrained. Britain declined to publicly criticize India and stated that bilateral trade discussions would proceed as planned. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s statement regarding the affair did not mention India by name.

Chietigj Bajpaee, an India expert at the Chatham House think tank in London, pointed out that Britain finds itself in a delicate position, torn between supporting Canada and avoiding antagonizing India—a potential trading partner and ally in countering China. He noted that unless there is concrete evidence of India’s involvement, the UK’s response is likely to remain cautious. Bajpaee suggested that a free trade deal between India and Britain would be a significant political victory for both nations.

Also Read: Poland Halts Weapon Shipments to Ukraine Amid Grain Dispute, Says PM

White House national security advisor John Kirby expressed deep concern and encouraged Indian officials to cooperate with any investigation, even though India denied any involvement in the murder. The Washington Post reported that Trudeau had sought a joint statement condemning India at the recent Group of 20 summit in New Delhi but was rebuffed by the United States and others.

Kirby clarified that reports suggesting the United States had rebuffed Canada were untrue, asserting that the U.S. would continue to coordinate and consult with Canada on this matter.

The relatively muted response to Trudeau’s allegations stands in stark contrast to the strong reaction following the poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in England in 2018. Back then, Britain, the United States, Canada, and other nations expelled over 100 Russian diplomats in retaliation, despite Moscow’s consistent denials of involvement.

Wesley Wark from the Centre for International Governance Innovation think tank in Waterloo, Ontario, explained, “Our Five Eyes partners are understandably hesitant to get deeply involved in this matter due to everyone’s interest in strengthening ties with India, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions with China.” He suggested that if Canada were to provide solid evidence of Indian state involvement in an assassination attempt, there might be more vocal support from allies.

With allies hesitant to jointly condemn India, Canada’s options appear limited for now, at least until incontrovertible evidence emerges. Richard Fadden, former head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, stated, “If we don’t get our allies to support this, either publicly or privately, Canada won’t be able to exert significant influence on India in the short or medium term. Our best hope is to prevent a recurrence.”

Canadian government sources indicated that they would have preferred to wait longer before making a statement but felt compelled to act as some domestic media outlets were about to break the story. They hope that more information will become available in due course.

Canada has not disclosed its intelligence findings publicly due to the ongoing murder investigation. A senior source emphasized the importance of India handling this situation responsibly, particularly as India stands on the cusp of global opportunities, which necessitate careful management for its own benefit.

Poland’s Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has declared that Poland will cease sending weapons to Ukraine, shifting its focus towards strengthening its defense capabilities. This announcement came shortly after Warsaw summoned the Ukrainian ambassador amid a dispute over grain exports.

Morawiecki explained, “We are no longer providing arms to Ukraine because we are now equipping Poland with more advanced weaponry.” This decision raised questions about Poland’s continued support for Ukraine, considering the ongoing grain export disagreement.

Poland has steadfastly supported Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and has been a significant supplier of weaponry to Kyiv. Additionally, Poland has provided refuge to approximately one million Ukrainian refugees who have received various government assistance.

Tensions between Warsaw and Kyiv erupted due to Poland’s ban on Ukrainian grain imports aimed at safeguarding its own farmers’ interests, and these tensions have recently escalated.

Also Read: Ukraine’s Strike on Russian Ships and Advanced Aerial Defenses in Crimea

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused certain European nations of indirectly aiding Russia through their stance on grain exports. Zelenskiy expressed concern, stating, “It is alarming to see how some in Europe play out solidarity in a political theater – making a thriller from the grain. They may seem to play their role, but they are helping set the stage for a Moscow actor.”

Morawiecki subsequently cautioned Ukraine’s authorities, suggesting that if the conflict escalates, Poland might extend the import ban from Ukraine to additional products. He emphasized the destabilization of Poland’s farming industry and the need to protect Polish farmers.

The disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has redirected grain shipping away from Black Sea routes to the EU, making it a significant transit and export destination for Ukrainian grain.

In May, the EU imposed restrictions on grain imports, limiting them to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia to protect local farmers who attributed declining prices to the imports. These measures allowed products to pass through these countries but prevented them from being sold on their local markets.

However, on Friday, the European Commission announced the end of the import ban, citing the disappearance of market distortions in the five bordering member states. Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia immediately expressed their intent to defy this decision.

The issue is susceptible in Poland due to upcoming elections next month, as the ruling populist right-wing Law and Justice party enjoys strong support in farming regions.

Kyiv responded to warnings from Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia by announcing its intention to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Poland’s foreign ministry responded by stating that applying pressure in multilateral forums or submitting complaints to international courts were inappropriate methods to resolve differences between the two countries. In turn, Kyiv urged Warsaw to adopt a “constructive” approach and set aside emotions in the dispute.

New York, September 20, 2023 – In a pivotal moment on the world stage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made his first in-person appearance at a U.N. Security Council meeting focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, what was meant to be a routine diplomatic gathering quickly turned into a showdown, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, representing Moscow’s interests, objected vehemently to Zelenskiy’s participation. This incident sheds light on the ongoing conflict, the dynamics within the Security Council, and the resolute stance of key players involved.

The Tense Confrontation

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who was presiding over the meeting, wasted no time in responding to Nebenzia’s objections with a sharp and witty remark. He dismissed Russia’s characterization of the invasion as a “special military operation” with humor, stating unequivocally that the meeting was not an Albanian-sponsored spectacle. Rama’s words drew muted laughter from the assembled delegates, setting the tone for what would become a charged and memorable session.

Rama continued to address Nebenzia directly, proposing a straightforward solution to the impasse: “If you agree to stop the war, President Zelenskiy will not take the floor.” This seemingly simple proposition encapsulated the essence of the conflict – a call for an end to hostilities.

Russia’s Intransigence

However, Nebenzia did not yield. He labeled the session as a mere “show” and criticized Rama for his perceived political bias, accusing him of failing to uphold neutrality and procedural fairness. Nebenzia’s response highlighted the deep-rooted divisions within the Security Council, where geopolitical interests often supersede diplomatic decorum.

Zelenskiy’s Gratitude and Global Implications

Following the intense exchange, President Zelenskiy took to social media to express his appreciation for Rama’s stance. Zelenskiy, known for his versatility as both an artist and a former basketball player, commended Rama for “showing the world how to correctly handle Russia, its lies, and its hypocrisy.” This sentiment underscored the global attention this incident garnered and the significance of Zelenskiy’s presence at the U.N. Security Council.

Also Read: Poland’s President Andrzej Duda’s Views on Ukraine

The Crux of the Conflict

At the heart of the matter lies Moscow’s assertion that Ukraine’s aspirations for Western integration, including NATO membership, pose a direct threat to Russia’s national security. This claim, vehemently denied by Kyiv and its allies, is seen by many as a pretext for Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The conflict has not only caused a humanitarian crisis but has also strained international relations, particularly within the U.N. Security Council.

Zelenskiy’s Bold Proposal

When finally given the opportunity to address the assembly, Zelenskiy called for a drastic measure. He proposed that Russia be stripped of its veto power, a privilege held by the five permanent members of the Security Council since the post-World War Two era. This proposal is a clear attempt to hold Russia accountable for its actions, signaling Ukraine’s determination to seek justice on the international stage.

Russia’s Defense

Responding to Zelenskiy’s proposal, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov entered the room. Lavrov defended Russia’s use of the veto as a legitimate tool, accusing Kyiv and Western nations of selectively adhering to the principles of the 1945 U.N. Charter, applying them only when it aligns with their interests. This rebuttal deepened the ideological chasm within the Security Council, underlining the complexity of the situation.

In Conclusion

The dramatic exchange at the U.N. Security Council meeting on September 20, 2023, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its far-reaching implications. President Zelenskiy’s bold appearance and proposal, along with Ambassador Nebenzia’s unwavering defense, have intensified the global focus on this crisis. As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has left an indelible mark on international relations.