STORY: Shortly before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the war being waged by Moscow as an attack on the collective conscience. “This year since Russia invaded Ukraine is a sad milestone for the Ukrainian people and for the international community. This invasion is an affront to our collective conscience. It is a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law .” Since Russia invaded the neighboring country on February 24 last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly hinted that Russia could use a nuclear weapon if threatened. “The so-called tactical use of nuclear weapons is totally unacceptable. It is high time we moved away from this threat,” Guterres told the 193-member UN General Assembly on Wednesday. The General Assembly is expected to adopt a draft resolution on Thursday emphasizing the need to achieve “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in line with the UN Charter “as soon as possible”. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also referred to the UN Charter. “Demands to stop arms and ammunition supplies to Ukraine are completely misplaced. It is perfectly legitimate to help a nation that has been attacked and is legitimately defending itself. It is an act of defense of the UN Charter. It is an act that will help end the war more quickly and achieve a lasting and just peace. On the contrary, it is illegal and against the UN Charter to provide military assistance to the aggressor.” In his speech, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebensia said the West’s aim is to defeat Russia in any way possible. They cannot leave Ukraine, but are ready to drag the entire world into the abyss of war. Ukraine hopes to further isolate Russia internationally with at least around two-thirds of the General Assembly votes. According to the draft text, the General Assembly will again ask Moscow to withdraw its troops and cease hostilities. General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry political weight.