Ukraine and Russia exchanged criticism at a special session of the UN Security Council, held to address the situation in Ukraine.

The meeting took place at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday alongside the General Assembly. Attendees included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Zelenskyy said, "Most of the world recognizes the truth about this war. It is a criminal and unprovoked aggression by Russia against our nation, aimed at seizing Ukraine's territory and resources." He went on to say, "With its aggression, the terrorist state is willing to undermine all the dams of international norms meant to protect the world from wars."

He also pointed out that the use of veto power in the UN requires reform and stressed that, for the sake of peace, an aggressor should not retain membership in the Security Council.

In response, Lavrov reiterated Russia's claim that Ukraine had created the cause for the invasion, justifying his country's position within the Security Council. He argued that Western nations supporting Ukraine were increasing the risks of global conflict.

Observers had focused on whether Zelenskyy and Lavrov would have a face-to-face encounter at the meeting. But one was not present when the other spoke, and they did not have direct contact with each other.