The UN General Assembly marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on Thursday, highlighting its relevance amid escalating conflicts, rising tensions, and challenges to multilateralism.
The UN Charter, the foundational treaty of the world body, was adopted on June 25, 1945, at the San Francisco Conference and was signed by delegates the following day.
Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered speeches at the commemorative event.
Yang said that the United Nations is facing an extremely difficult time, with conflicts continuing to spread, tensions escalating, and multilateralism facing serious challenges.
"Some important nations have chosen force instead of adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. That is an extremely dangerous situation. We must seize the moment and choose dialogue and diplomacy instead of destructive wars," said Yang.
Noting that the UN Charter is the foundation of international cooperation for a better world, Guterres underscored its purposes and principles are under unprecedented assaults.
"The Charter of the United Nations is not optional. It is not an a-la-carte menu. It is the bedrock of international relations. We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles," said Guterres.
UN General Assembly marks 80 years since signing of UN Charter
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia holds the strategic initiative along the entire front lines and the goals of the country's special military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.
"The past year has been an important milestone in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said while addressing an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry.
Putin underscored that Russia has the capability to accelerate its offensive pace, adding that Russia's task of expanding the security buffer zone will be fulfilled, and the core goals of the operation will be realized.
"This year alone, more than 300 settlements have been liberated, including major cities that the enemy had turned into fortified strongholds equipped with long-term defensive structures," the Russian leader said.
He said that the Russian military currently holds the strategic initiative along the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front and is defeating Ukrainian forces, including elite Ukrainian units trained in the West.
Russia is currently seeking mutually beneficial and fair cooperation with the United States and European countries, Putin said.
Putin rejected claims portraying Russia as a threat to European nations, saying that such narratives are unfounded and fabricated.
Putin also announced that several submarines and surface ships have been commissioned into the Russian Navy this year, while the "Oreshnik" missile complex will enter combat duty by the end of 2025.
Russian military holds strategic initiative along entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front: Putin
