China News Service, April 6 (Xinhua) According to comprehensive news, on the 5th local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a video speech at the UN Security Council for the first time.

Against the background of the "suspected cloud in the town of Buca", Zelensky once again stated that Ukraine has "conclusive evidence" to show the real situation in Buca, and called on the UN Security Council to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.

　　Although Russia completely denies Ukraine's allegations, many Western countries still plan to further escalate sanctions against Russia and expel Russian diplomats.

According to AFP statistics, in the past 48 hours, many European countries have expelled about 150 Russian diplomats.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech at the UN Security Council on the 5th local time.

Video screenshot

Zelensky addresses the UN Security Council for the first time

　　Many Western media have previewed Zelensky's speech, saying that this is the first time Zelensky has delivered a speech at a Security Council meeting since Russia launched a special military operation.

Previously, Zelensky had made a video speech to several European countries, calling for Western military assistance.

　　Zelensky's speech that day mainly included the following:

　　——The Ukrainian side has satellite images as conclusive evidence to show the real situation of the incident in Bucca, and said that a "comprehensive and transparent investigation" can be carried out.

　　—— Described the Russian military as "terrorists" and called for the trial of Russian military personnel for "war crimes".

　　- Call on the Security Council to hold Russia accountable and provide security guarantees to Ukraine.

　　It is reported that the "Buca incident" began with pictures and videos released by the Ukrainian side on April 3. The Ukrainian side said that about 300 local residents were killed and accused the Russian army of "massacred atrocities" in the town of Buca.

In response, the Kremlin denied any allegations against the Russian army, saying the Bucca incident was a horrific fake event that was carefully planned.

　　Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said the "Bucha incident" "was a well-directed tragedy" aimed at slandering Russia.

Data map: The Russian Embassy in Italy.

Within 48 hours, European countries expelled about 150 Russian diplomats

　　As of April 5, many EU countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Denmark announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats. According to AFP statistics, about 150 Russian diplomats were repatriated in the past 48 hours.

　　Kremlin spokesman Peskov said on the 5th that the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats was a "short-sighted move" that would inevitably lead to retaliatory measures.

　　On the 4th local time, Germany declared a "large number" of diplomatic personnel in the Russian embassy in Germany as "persona non grata" and notified the Russian ambassador to Germany.

The Russian embassy in Germany issued a statement on the same day, confirming that the German side declared 40 Russian diplomats "persona non grata".

　　The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the 4th saying that it had decided to expel 35 Russian diplomats; the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it lowered the level of diplomatic relations with Russia, asked the Russian ambassador to leave the country, and closed the Russian office in Klaipeda. The consulate general and the ambassador to Russia will also return to China in the near future.

　　In addition, Italian Foreign Minister Di Maio said that for national security reasons, the decision to expel 30 Russian diplomats was made.

Hours later, Spain announced the expulsion of about 25 Russian diplomats.

　　Sweden's foreign ministry later said it would expel 3 Russian diplomats who carried out "illegal actions"; Denmark announced the expulsion of 15 Russian diplomats, but the country's foreign minister Kofford said it would maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow and said that Russia's The Danish ambassador and embassy staff were not expelled.

　　EU countries have now expelled about 260 Russian diplomats since Russia launched a special military operation on February 24, according to an AFP tally.

Data map: European Commission President Von der Leyen.

West fears further escalation of sanctions against Russia

　　So far, the United States and the European Union have indicated that they will escalate sanctions against Russia.

　　French President Emmanuel Macron said France would discuss with its EU partners new sanctions on Russia and allow restrictions on Russian oil and coal supplies in light of the events in the town of Bucca.

　　According to the U.S. "Washington Post", citing sources, the U.S. government is studying the issue of strengthening sanctions against Russia in the context of the Bucha incident.

　　On the 5th, European Commission President von der Leyen proposed a new round of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on coal imports and a blocking of Russian ships from entering European ports.

　　After the meeting with the Polish Foreign Minister, British Foreign Minister Truss announced on the same day that as of now, more than 60% of Russia's foreign exchange reserves (more than 350 billion US dollars) have been frozen due to Western sanctions against Russia.

"Our coordinated sanctions are pushing the Russian economy back to the Soviet era," Truss said.

　　In addition to the sanctions statement, many voices said they would go to Ukraine for further investigation.

According to Russia Today (RT) reports, European Commission President von der Leyen had a phone call with Zelensky on the 4th, and then issued a statement, saying that the EU is ready to send a joint investigation team to Ukraine to investigate the "Bucha incident". .

　　Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said he plans to travel to Ukraine on the 6th to discuss the prospect of a humanitarian ceasefire with senior Ukrainian government officials.

(over)