Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters was denounced by Ukraine Wednesday after he instructed the United Nations Security Council that Russia’s invasion of its neighbor was “not unprovoked.”
The 79-year-old, who has sparked controversy earlier than this together with his stance on the battle, was invited by Moscow to handle the 15-member Council.
“The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation was illegal. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” the British musician stated by way of video.
But Waters then implied that Kyiv was accountable as properly.
“Also the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not unprovoked. So I also condemn the provocateurs in the strongest possible terms,” he stated, calling for a direct ceasefire.
Ukraine’s U.N. ambassador hit again, enjoying on the title of one in all Pink Floyd’s most well-known songs.
“How sad for his former fans to see him accepting the role of just a brick in the wall, a wall of Russian disinformation and propaganda,” stated Sergiy Kyslytsya.
Kyiv’s consultant even referenced the large inflatable pink pig that featured in lots of the progressive rock band’s exhibits. He stated he was shocked the bassist had not organized to have it floating within the Security Council chamber.
“What could it have been this time Mr Waters? Pigs with swastikas and the hammer and sickle?” Kyslytsya requested in the course of the surreal dialogue.
The Security Council has held quite a few debates on the battle however has didn’t take any motion because of Russia’s veto.
“If this is a toothless chamber, I can open my big mouth on behalf of the voices without fear of getting my head bitten off,” Waters stated.
Russia requested the assembly to debate arms equipped to Ukraine by the West.
U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Mills stated of Waters: “While I certainly acknowledge his impressive credentials as a recording artist, his qualifications to speak to us as an expert briefer on arms control or European security issues, are less evident to me.”
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia welcomed the participation of a person he referred to as “one of the most prominent activists of the contemporary anti-war movement.”
Last September, Waters was declared persona non grata by the Polish metropolis of Krakow after his concert events have been scrapped there over his battle stance.
Waters had written an open letter that month saying the West ought to cease offering arms to Kyiv, accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of permitting “extreme nationalism” in Ukraine and urging him to “put an end to this deadly war.”
This week, Pink Floyd songwriter Polly Samson, spouse of band member David Gilmour, referred to as Waters “anti-Semitic” and “a Putin apologist” in a tweet.
Waters responded by posting an announcement on Twitter that stated he “refutes entirely” Samson’s accusation.
Pink Floyd reunited final yr, with out Waters, to launch a single in assist of Ukraine.
© 2023 AFP