British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Russia for sacrificing its soldiers in Ukraine during his first address to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday.

He stated that “600,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded” in the conflict and questioned how Moscow could face the UN. “The UN Charter, which they are here to uphold, emphasizes human dignity—not treating your own citizens as mere fodder,” he remarked.

As Starmer spoke, Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyanskiy, appeared visibly distressed, resting his head in his hand.

Starmer also called for immediate ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza amid Israel’s escalating offensive against Iran-backed militant groups. “We need an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, along with a political plan,” he said, emphasizing that “security will come through diplomacy, not escalation.”

He reiterated the need for a full ceasefire in Gaza, urging the release of all hostages.

Starmer’s international appearance comes as he faces scrutiny at home over a gift-taking scandal involving himself and his deputy, as well as a recent gaffe where he mistakenly referred to “sausages” instead of “hostages” during a speech about Gaza.