The video of the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war is yet another reason why Russia cannot preside over the United Nations Security Council, Lithuanian political leaders say.
On Wednesday, a video showing Russian soldiers beheading a Ukrainian prisoner who appeared to be still alive was published on social media.
“Russian representatives should be reserved seats in the International Tribunal, not in the UN Security Council. Unless we want Russkiy mir (the Russian world) to change the rules-based world order,” Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
Russia took over the presidency of the UN Security Council on April 1.
According to Seimas Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, Russia continues to prove that “every day the democratic world spends questioning the aid to Ukraine is a victory for cruelty”.
“One more execution, dozens or hundreds more deaths. We had enough of this disgusting paradox when Russia is not only allowed into the UN but also chairs the Security Council, while its murderers are executing Ukrainian soldiers,” Čmilytė-Nielsen wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
The UNSC presidency has certain prerogatives in setting the council’s agenda. As a permanent member, Russia can also convene extraordinary meetings whenever it wants.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas noted on Facebook that the best response to the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war is Ukraine’s victory.
“The assessment of war crimes and the trial of these degenerates in an international court is, of course, a desirable goal, but the best punishment is a Ukrainian victory,” he said.
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