February 9th 2023
Roger Waters: Former Pink Floyd star's UN speech criticised by Ukraine
by bbc news
Pink Floyd star Roger Waters has used a speech to the United Nations to repeat his controversial claim that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was "provoked".
The musician was invited by Russia to address the UN Security Council.
He called for a ceasefire and condemned Russia's "illegal" invasion, but also denounced "provocateurs" in the West who he claimed were responsible.
Ukrainian ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya called Waters' speech "another brick in the wall" of Russian disinformation.
Russia asked Waters to address the 15-member Security Council following an interview with a German newspaper, in which he praised Vladimir Putin's leadership.
However, the 79-year-old singer, who appeared with his dog, surprised his sponsors by modifying his position on the war.
"The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation was illegal. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," he said via video link.
"Also, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not unprovoked, so I also condemn the provocateurs in the strongest possible terms."
Rather than representing the view of Russia, the musician said he was speaking on behalf of "four billion or so brothers and sisters" - the majority of Earth's population.
He continued: "So what do the voiceless millions have to say? They say thank you for hearing us today. We are many who do not share in the profits of the war industry.
"We do not willingly raise our sons and daughters to provide fodder for your cannons.
"In our opinion, the only sensible course of action today is to call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. Not one more Ukrainian or Russian life is to be spent, not one, they are all precious in our eyes."
Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, glossed over the musician's reference to the illegality of the invasion.
The diplomat complimented his "very precise analysis of events" and reiterated his belief that the West was waging war against his country.
Other members were less enamoured by the speech.
The deputy UN ambassador for the US, Richard Mills, said: "I certainly acknowledge he has impressive credentials as a recording artist. His qualifications to speak to us as an expert briefer on arms control or European security issues seem less evident to me."
Ukraine's Mr Kyslytsya referenced Pink Floyd lyrics in his response, noting that the band had once been outlawed by the Soviet Union for protesting against its 1979 invasion of Afghanistan.
"It is ironic, if not hypocritical, that Mr Waters attempts now to whitewash another invasion," said Mr Kyslytsya.
"How sad for his former fans to see him accepting the role of just another brick in the wall - the wall of Russian disinformation and propaganda."
President Putin has repeatedly blamed Nato's expansion and Ukraine's push to join it for the invasion. But Eastern European countries sought to join the defensive alliance as a protective measure against Russia, while Sweden and Finland applied to join only after the February 2022 invasion.
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