A/78/PV.58 General Assembly

It has now been 10 years since the beginning of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine. As of today, Russia has illegally occupied and annexed approximately 17 per cent of the territory of that country. The United Nations has verified more than 30,000 civilian casualties, including almost 2,000 children, since the beginning of the invasion, with the actual numbers likely to be significantly higher. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and their country. On 12 October 2022, here in the General Assembly Hall, we, 143 Member States, overwhelmingly condemned Russia’s attempted annexations and declared them illegal and without effect (see A/ES- 11/PV.14). Since then, tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have been left rotting on Ukrainian soil and, yet, reinforced by the verified military support of the complicit countries of Iran, Belarus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Kremlin’s goals vis-à-vis Ukraine remain exactly the same as a year ago — to erase sovereign Ukraine from the map and to deny the very existence of an independent Ukrainian nation. Putin’s recent public revelations not only prove his utter incompetence at history but also clearly indicate that Russia was never genuinely ready to fulfil its obligations under the Minsk agreements. Quite the opposite, in Putin’s paranoid imagination, Ukraine as a nation does not exist. Such deeply genocidal thinking is at the core of his neocolonial and imperial crusade. Moreover, Russia’s behavioural pattern with respect to the occupied territories presents a horrifying example of a so-called Russian world and of modern Russian fascism in action. Any opposition in the occupied territories, or increasingly also in Russia itself, is met with repression, deportation, imprisonment or extrajudicial killings. The most recent example in that regard is the murder by Putin and his cronies of the much-feared opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, after his poisoning and prolonged torture in the penal colony. It is quite clear that with the elimination of all credible alternative candidates and without international monitoring, Russia’s so-called elections in March will again lack any democratic legitimacy. Holding so-called elections in the temporarily occupied and illegally annexed territories of Ukraine is in itself a grave violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will not recognize or support the holding of such elections, nor will we accept their results. Ukraine has verified that close to 20,000 children have been forcibly deported to Russia from Ukraine and the occupied territories, whose national identity is the subject of systemic erasure. Russia, as the first permanent member of the Security Council ever listed in the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict as a party carrying out grave violations against children (A/77/895), has disregarded the issue. That is why we call upon the Secretary-General to list Russia as an uncooperative party in his next report on children and armed conflict. We also call on UNICEF to remain fully seized of the matter. The United Nations and its membership have to put pressure on Russia to end this appalling criminal practice and return Ukrainian children to their families and their homeland. It goes without saying that the masterminds behind the aggression and the criminals who are responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children must be brought to justice. The arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin and Lvova- Belova should be executed as soon as possible. We would also like to emphasize, contrary to what Russia tries to convey, that the International Court of Justice has found that Russia has violated the provisions of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In addition, by launching its aggression against Ukraine, Russia has also violated its obligation under the Court’s order on provisional measures. After two years of brutal invasion, it is clear that Russia and its current leadership are not interested in genuine peace. As we know from the twentieth century, the appeasement of dictatorships can lead only to global catastrophe. We therefore call on the wider United Nations membership to support the Ukrainian peace plan, which offers the only viable path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full accordance with the United Nations Charter. We once again insist that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its military forces and mercenaries from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. While Ukraine is fighting for its very survival in full conformity with the United Nations Charter, let me assure the Assembly that Estonia is determined to continue supporting Ukraine by all means, for as long as it takes. It is the right thing to do from the moral, legal and global security points of view. Finally, this weekend, Estonia celebrated 106 years of independence. Since 2022, our celebrations have been overshadowed by the war Russia has brought to Europe. In the shadow of the aggression against Ukraine, our own independence and sovereignty are being undermined by Russia every single day, one way or another. Attempts to undermine our security and destabilize our societies take many shapes. Last week, we were able to neutralise another hybrid operation by Russia’s agents against our freedom and independence. Only together with our allies and partners can we push back aggression and uphold the sacrosanct United Nations Charter and the principles of international law.

As the third year of aggression against Ukraine begins, Ecuador wishes to renew its unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the principle of territorial integrity, which we have defended in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. All States much abide by and strictly comply with those principles. The conflict in Ukraine has caused devastation and pain, seriously affecting the civilian population and generating negative repercussions globally. The humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict is immeasurable, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people displaced. Ecuador commends the United Nations system’s mobilization efforts during the past two years. The Security Council, of which we are a member, has held at least a hundred meetings to address the crisis in Ukraine. In Security Council resolution 2623 (2022), the Council decided to convene the eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly, within the framework of which six resolutions were adopted, focusing on such key issues as territorial integrity, the humanitarian situation, accountability and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Ecuador added its voice to the vast majority of members of the international community and voted in favour of all of them. Since its founding as a republic, my country has rejected and condemned the use of force by one State against another. Ecuador does not and will not recognize the acquisition of territories by force. Likewise, Ecuador firmly believes that disputes must be resolved by peaceful means framed in the mechanisms established by the founding Charter of the Organization. In the case at hand, my country is in favour of any initiative that helps to prevent the escalation of tensions and that promotes dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation. History has taught us that no crisis is resolved by military means. Violence only begets more violence and suffering. The devastation that accompanies war, the human suffering, the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of people are scars that last for generations. Ecuador unequivocally supports the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and insists once again that the occupation and military aggression of the Russian Federation be put to an end, as ordered by the International Court of Justice on 16 March 2022, to make space for a peaceful solution framed within respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter. At this time when the international community is traversing a period of grave tension, I will conclude by issuing a call to us all to defend the United Nations Charter, practice restraint and tolerance and maintain and strengthen peace, which, as Secretary- General Guterres constantly reminds us, is a global public good that we must protect and manage.

A little more than two weeks ago we were in this very Hall to have an exchange with the Secretary-General on his priorities for 2024 (see A/78/PV.54). If anything was clear then, it was the need for the United Nations to rediscover its reason for being. That reason is none other than the continuous pursuit of peace. Today we live in a tumultuous and polarized world, affected not only by a changing geopolitical landscape, but also by a profound multifaceted global crisis that affects all areas of life. And, while all of this is occurring, we are witnessing a profound crisis of trust, values and global leadership that, in addition to eroding multilateralism and threatening the very existence of humankind, does nothing to address, through cooperation and peaceful means, the complex, emerging and shared challenges facing the world today, including those stemming from international conflicts. Every armed conflict is grievous, and each of the fatal victims thereof is not only regrettable, but must push us to make the moral, ethical and political commitment to put an end to war in all its forms and manifestations around the world. It is therefore urgent, as we said previously, in the interest of peace and all of humankind, to rediscover the Organization’s reason for being, strengthen and expand both international solidarity and cooperation, revitalize multilateralism and ensure that it is truly inclusive, and, especially, ensure full respect for the basic norms of international law and the tenets of the founding Charter of the Organization, including those referring to the peaceful resolution of disputes, which, as a responsible member of the international community, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly embraces. Only a few hours ago in this same Hall, last Friday (see A/78/PV.56), we once again witnessed the double standard to which some delegations, such as those of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, have accustomed us for years. On the one hand, we observe that they persist in their efforts to use the General Assembly to attack sovereign States, with the sole objective of advancing their respective national agendas, which are always governed by dark geopolitical ambitions. On the other hand, they insist on presenting themselves as supposed champions of human rights when, at the same time, through their criminal actions and policies, they violate the human rights of hundreds of millions of people around the world on a daily basis, including in my country. It was even more interesting — to put it in one way — to listen to the representatives of those two countries talk about such issues as the right to self-determination, a supposed interest in saving lives, the need to ensure justice for victims and guarantee accountability for the commission of crimes against humanity, and to hear them reaffirm their so-called support for the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. They did all that when, just a few hours before, in the Security Council (see S/PV.9552)  — just a few metres away from this Hall — they voted against a draft resolution (S/2024/173) that sought, precisely, to advance those same issues for sake of the heroic Palestinian people, which for years has been massacred, occupied and now exterminated, thanks to the framework of impunity that the Governments of those two countries provide to Israel within the Security Council. How shamelessly these former empires seek to maintain their waning power at any cost. How shameful it is to rely on such double standards. What audacity and arrogance they demonstrate in their underestimation of us. Peace is forged day by day with commitment of everyone. Peace requires coherence and consistency, as well as the rejection of maximalist and supremacist visions. The General Assembly and all members of the Organization are therefore called upon to play a central and proactive role and to join forces to, as stated in the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations, maintain international peace and security in the interests of the peoples of the United Nations whom we represent in this Assembly and whom we must serve responsibly. We must therefore put an end to any actions aimed at exacerbating conflict situations, deepening divisions or generating greater confrontations, including through the imposition of divergent agendas or visions or attempts to divide the world into blocs based on so- called spheres of influence, including military ones, which have no part whatsoever to play when we are faced with the emergence of a new multipolar and pluricentric world. Instead, we must focus on win-win approaches, where legitimate concerns are considered and the views of all parties are respected, including on security, and where there is guaranteed compliance with international agreements that have been voluntarily entered into in various areas. The continued use of inflammatory rhetoric, the imposition of unilateral coercive measures or reckless actions, such as the provision of weapons to prolong conflicts, will never serve the purpose of achieving lasting peace or preventing the emergence of new situations of conflict or crises that could endanger global peace, security and stability. Peace therefore constitutes a collective effort that requires the good faith and willingness of all parties to seek compromises, putting aside political calculations, if we are to be able to comprehensively address the root causes of conflicts and thereby achieve solutions that will be sustainable over time. Lastly, and with regard to the issue at hand, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continues to consider that Security Council resolution 2202 (2015), which endorsed the Minsk agreements along with the set of measures for their implementation, provides a solid basis for a peaceful settlement based on international law that will lead to a political solution and a normalization of the relations between two neighbouring countries, which we are sure will result in stability and peace in Eastern Europe. We therefore reiterate our call to create the conditions necessary for progress towards a genuine and direct dialogue between the parties that will enable us to achieve the normalization of relations between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible.

Brazil deeply regrets that the General Assembly is meeting once again to discuss the situation in Ukraine without any prospect of an end to the hostilities. On the contrary, we are witnessing the intensification of the fighting, causing greater civilian casualties and more destruction. The continued massive influx of weapons into the conflict zone presages even greater suffering. The intensive use of powerful weapons and the deployment of landmines threaten people’s lives in a vast region even after the cessation of hostilities. The lack of any dialogue between the parties, either directly or through third parties, is most worrisome. The situation demonstrates the failure of all diplomatic endeavours — bilateral and multilateral — to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Brazil’s position on the issue is well known. The parties must fulfil their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and other provisions of international law and international humanitarian law. In particular, they must ensure the protection of civilians, the unhindered humanitarian access to areas and displaced persons affected by the fighting and the protection of civil infrastructure, including nuclear installations. Additionally, insisting on a military solution will not bring a lasting peace. The only way to achieve stability and future prosperity is through diplomatic negotiations, taking into account the purposes and principles of the Charter and the legitimate security concerns of the parties. The means outlined in Article 33 of the Charter provide tools for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It falls upon the entire international community to encourage the parties to use those means. Brazil remains willing to contribute to peace efforts when the parties are ready to take steps to de-escalate hostilities and engage in talks, be they direct or indirect. We hope that the Assembly can help with that challenge.

As we tragically enter the third year since Russia began its war against Ukraine, it is truly deplorable that there is still no end in sight as civilian casualties continue to mount. Since December 2023, when Russia embarked on large-scale offensives against Ukrainian cities amidst hard, cold weather, battles have intensified along the front lines in the northern and eastern regions of Ukraine. Hostilities have also continued around the Black Sea, including strikes in the coastal regions against Ukrainian facilities for grain and fuel. As proof of Russia’s unwillingness to halt its invasion, more than 1,500 Russian attacks were conducted during the first two weeks of February alone, targeting 570 Ukraine towns and villages. Just a few days ago, the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka was captured by Russian troops, causing many casualties. Now, we are witnessing the warring parties bracing themselves for a longer conflict without any room for compromise. Russia’s continued illegal invasion against Ukraine is amplifying human suffering and causing oversized global repercussions. As we commemorate today the second anniversary of the start of the war, my delegation underlines the three major long-lasting impacts that the international community will have to address in future. First, Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine is a serious blow to the core principles of the international system, including our solemn obligation to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any State — the sacred commitment to which the human race agreed in the wake of the tragic consequences of two world wars. In the same vein, the Republic of Korea does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories through use of force. We support Ukraine’s exercise of its inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and believe that such endeavours to protect its territories and people deserve the international community’s support and assistance. At the same time, the Russian Federation must immediately stop its military cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, that is, North Korea. Any arms dealings with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including with respect to short- range ballistic missiles, are prohibited, as they are in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions, all of which were adopted unanimously, with Russia voting in favour. Such arms deals threaten not only the authority of Security Council resolutions but also the global non-proliferation regime and seriously undermine the security of the Korean peninsula, Europe and beyond. Secondly, the war has put human dignity at risk owing to the continuing egregious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. So far, more than 10,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine by indiscriminate attacks against civilian objects, and tens of millions of people have been forced to become refugees in foreign countries or are internally displaced. Those forced displacements, mostly consisting of women and children, are numerically unprecedented in Europe since the Second World War, ushering in long- lasting negative socioeconomic impacts on populations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In that connection, my delegation recalls that women and children are the most vulnerable to conflict- driven threats, including gender-based violence, exploitation and abuse and trafficking. We believe that it is critical to hold accountable all perpetrators of war crimes, including killing, torture, rape and other sexual violence. It is also vital to support relevant agencies’ activities to document evidence in that regard. Thirdly, the war has threatened to undermine both economies and security at regional and global levels. Once hailed as Europe’s breadbasket, Ukraine has lost its major export routes owing to the hostilities in the Black Sea, putting enormous pressure on the food markets of developing countries. Concurrently, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian people near the front lines are facing acute humanitarian food needs owing to the active conflict, with the United Nations predicting the long-term degradation of food production as a result of the destruction of food infrastructure and the impacts of unexploded ordnances and mines on agricultural lands. As the battles in Ukraine continue to wreak havoc on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant remains precarious, raising anxiety about the safety and security of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. To sum up, the unjustifiable war’s impacts ripple beyond Ukraine. What Russia is doing in Ukraine is causing injustice and suffering in other parts of the world. Indeed, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. A year ago, the General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/1 during its emergency special session, with 141 votes in favour, supporting the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine. As the resolution clearly affirmed, the establishment of permanent peace in Ukraine should be based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations; and the same goes for any form of new European security architecture pertaining to Ukraine. In that vein, my delegation once again urges the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine which is the only way to peacefully resolve the conflict in line with the Charter of the United Nations. For its part, the Republic of Korea will maintain its support in the areas of security, humanitarian affairs and reconstruction by implementing the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative, launched last July, as well as participating in the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine.

We assemble today to mark a significant and solemn anniversary. We have now entered the third year of the war in Ukraine. As we witness the proliferation of armed conflicts around the world, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Today we gather not only as representatives of our nations, but as custodians of peace and defenders of the Charter of the United Nations and of the vulnerable in times of turmoil and strife. The war in Ukraine has had profound and far- reaching consequences. As the fighting continues, we bear witness to the tragic loss of life, the displacement of communities and the widespread destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. We have learned that post-war recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine is estimated to cost a staggering $486 billion over the next decade. In war there are no winners. The consequences of armed conflict, as has been demonstrated time and again, are not limited to the immediate impacts on the ground but have long-term repercussions. That conflict and others have and will continue to greatly delay and even cause a regression in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Guyana once more reiterates its call for the cessation of hostilities and for full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We echo the voices across nations and organizations and of individuals who have expressed deep concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding each day in the country. Our advocacy for peace is unequivocal. It is a stance that champions dialogue over destruction and cooperation over conflict. The international community must engage in concerted efforts aimed at bringing an end to the war. We must focus our collective efforts on finding diplomatic solutions that adhere to the rules of international law and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations. The conflict demands not merely attention but action, for every day we fail in the pursuit of peace is a day too many for those whose lives hang in the balance. As this and other conflicts across our globe persist, those principles, forged through grave sacrifice, which have been the foundation of our global order for nearly eight decades, are facing their greatest challenge. The principle of sovereignty, the rule of law and democracy are at risk of being discarded. The consequences of brazen violations of international law are not confined to borders. The attacks on international humanitarian law and on the ideals of freedom and self-determination cannot be left unchecked. We have a collective responsibility and obligation to safeguard and promote those ideals. Guyana will continue to stand by the people of Ukraine and all civilians  — men, women and children — who face the unimaginable effects of armed conflict. We stand at a crossroads between a path that returns us to an era where might makes right, where force is used to impose the will of the strong over the weak, on the one hand, and on the other hand, one that ensures that our planet survives and that people can proposer wherever they may live. The choice we must make is clear. It is now time to act.

At the outset, I wish to stress that Montenegro fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union (see A/78/ PV.57) and wishes to make additional remarks in its national capacity. More than two years of Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine have caused unimaginable suffering to the country and its people and had multifaceted effects beyond the borders of Ukraine. We once again reiterate our strong condemnation of the brutal aggression and devastation Russia’s aggression has caused to Ukraine, including the killings of civilians, the unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual and gender-based violence and appalling reports of forced transfers and abductions of children. Many of those amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Montenegro supports all domestic and international efforts to ensure full justice for the victims and hold all perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, including for the crime of aggression. As the aggression has been particularly devastating for children, as the Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict (A/77/895) indicates, we call on the Russian Federation to fully respect international humanitarian law and to immediately implement measures to protect children. The fact that a permanent member of the Security Council and a nuclear-weapon State exercised brutal force, breaching the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its neighbour country should make everyone’s blood run cold. The Russian invasion has put the rules-based world order that we rely on for peaceful coexistence under attack. International peace and security, the ground principles that gathered our predecessors to build the world back from the ashes and establish the United Nations, are severely threatened, arguably to an extent never seen since the Second World War period. The terror and crimes in Ukraine bring us to a dark era of brute force in international relations, with hard power as the only way of promoting self-centred national interests. Such aggressive behaviour challenges the international order as we know it today, which stands as a pivotal piece of the mosaic that guarantees the equal rights of each country, along with the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. The ramifications of the Russian aggression in Ukraine are translated into growing energy, food and financial crises across the globe that severely impact the most vulnerable groups in the least developed countries of the world. We therefore firmly believe that multilateralism has to be further bolstered and global action to address these outstanding challenges needs to be swiftly and carefully crafted and carried out. We call on the Russian Federation to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure and to allow assistance to the affected civilian population, including in areas under Russian military control. We would also like to add that we are concerned about the death of Alexei Navalny, who sacrificed his life to fight for the values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. We call for a transparent investigation into his sudden death. Two years since the invasion and 10 years since the illegal annexation of Crimea, we continue to express full support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We also recognize Ukraine’s right to request international support. In that regard, Montenegro has provided political, humanitarian, military and financial support to Ukraine and its citizens  — through both bilateral and multilateral channels. In line with our long-standing tradition of opening borders to those escaping bloodshed and atrocities, since 2022 we have provided shelter and granted temporary protection to nearly 40,000 Ukrainians, being the country with the most Ukrainians admitted per capita in Europe. Our military support for Ukraine accounted for 11 per cent of the overall military budget of Montenegro. Montenegro will continue to support Ukraine and its people. We need to stand united with Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and to ensure comprehensive, just and lasting peace  — in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s peace formula.

Argentina champions and promotes the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. They are the basis of the peaceful coexistence to which we have been committed since the founding of the Organization and include respect for international law, the sovereignty of States and their territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the unrestricted observance of human rights. The invasion of Ukrainian territory by the Russian Federation two years ago is a violation of those principles and values, to the detriment of the pre-eminence of law in international relations. The Argentine Republic therefore reiterates its firm condemnation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease the illegitimate use of force and military operations on Ukrainian territory. In that regard, we reiterate our call for Russia to immediately withdraw all its troops, military equipment and personnel from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. We also call on the Russian Federation to stop the aggression and all violations of international human rights law and applicable international humanitarian law. We express particular concern about the transfer of children within Ukraine and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation, which has been documented by international agencies and is a violation of international humanitarian law. We also emphatically condemn the attacks by Russian forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. In that context, Argentina makes a special appeal to avoid any action that could endanger nuclear facilities or facilities with radioactive material and expose the population to a future that is difficult to measure. It is essential to de-escalate the conflict immediately. We are convinced that diplomacy and dialogue are the only way forward to avoid further suffering and find a lasting solution. In that regard, we support the efforts of the Secretary-General and others who continue to work to facilitate constructive engagement between the parties. One example of such efforts has been the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Argentina welcomed the 2022 agreements, which allowed the export of millions of tons of grain from Black Sea ports. The continuity of that Initiative is not only critical to saving lives and stabilizing global prices, but also provides a clear example of crisis management. We regret Russia’s decision to not extend the Istanbul agreements and call for the resumption of negotiations for the reactivation of those agreements. The world wants peace in Ukraine  — a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. This war is a catastrophe for Ukraine and its people, and its ramifications have grave consequences for the whole world. Argentina will continue to promote dialogue and a peaceful settlement that puts an end to the conflict, with a view to avoiding further innocent victims. The world cannot bear more suffering, nor should it tolerate more deaths. Peace is urgent.

For the past two years, Israel has stood alongside the people of Ukraine in solidarity, both on the ground and here in the United Nations. That is the moral thing to do, especially as a country that knows exactly how it feels to be aggressively invaded, to have our towns and cities attacked and to have our civilians targeted by indiscriminate missile fire. The State of Israel will remain committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel has shown its support for Ukraine through not only words, but also actions. Israel sent more than 100 tons of humanitarian equipment to our Ukrainian allies within one week of the Russian invasion. We also established a field hospital within Ukraine’s border that treated more than 7,000 injured. Hundreds of Ukrainian patients have also been treated in hospitals and rehabilitation centres across Israel. From rehabilitation programmes to post-traumatic therapy, Ukrainians have received the best care that Israel has to offer. Israel is also working to provide Ukraine with early-warning systems to save civilian lives from Russia’s indiscriminate missile and drone attacks. We were forced to develop expertise in that field, and we are happy to share our capabilities with our Ukrainian friends in need. Two years ago, Russia, with disdain for its neighbour’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, invaded Ukraine, causing tragic loss of human life and immense damage to civilian infrastructure. One hundred and 43 days ago, the brutal terror organization of Hamas, in total violation of international law and with complete disdain for Israel’s sovereignty, invaded the Jewish State, murdering, raping and destroying anything it could lay its hands on. Both of our countries — Ukraine and Israel — are fighting a battle for our survival. We are now living in an era in which forces of instability act with impunity. International law be damned, morality be damned, and peace and security be damned. Today not only do those forces use military power or terror, but they have another tool: they have converted the United Nations and its organs into a weapon against freedom and liberty. That is what the United Nations has become. Today the Security Council cannot fulfil its basic mandate to defend sovereign States from invasion or even condemn violence, whether it comes to combating the aggression against which Ukraine defends itself or the terror against which Israel defends itself. The Security Council is paralysed in the face of violence, and the entire United Nations system is being held hostage by political interests. For purely political reasons, neither the Security Council nor this organ has condemned Hamas or its massacre. The audacity of those who invade others and attack civilians to baselessly lecture the law-abiding democracy of Israel on international law is a perfect example of how destructive this institution has become. Listen to this: this week, Russia will be hosting a Hamas delegation in Moscow, and not for the first time. Russia is one of the only places outside the Middle East where Hamas terrorists and Houthi jihadists are given the red- carpet treatment, even after 7 October. Russia is hosting those who are responsible for intentionally murdering babies, raping women and burning families alive. But that meeting in Moscow is a result of something more broad and more dangerous. Russia is now deepening its ties with global forces of destabilization. It is no secret that Hamas is merely one tentacle of Iran’s terror armies. That horde of death and destruction includes Hezbollah, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terror organizations. They are funded, trained, armed and directed by Iran. Iran is responsible for the attacks on American service members. Iran is behind the Houthi attacks on maritime trade, and it is Iran that supplies Russia with the drones that are attacking Ukrainian civilians. As we sit here now, focusing on words and not actions, an alliance is being strengthened while the international community stands idle. The axis between the Ayatollah regime in Tehran, the Al-Assad regime in Syria, the Kim Jong Un regime in North Korea and the Maduro Moros regime in Venezuela is deepening, and Russia is moving closer to them. Those countries are now standing in solidarity as the free world stands on the sidelines, divided. Do Assembly members not see what we all face? Are they not worried about our values and interests? If the United Nations cannot do anything to prevent aggression, then there is no longer any justification for the Organization to exist. If this organ is incapable of standing up to violent attacks yet demonizes those combating the threat posed to all of us, then the United Nations has lost all legitimacy. I hereby inform Ambassador Kyslytsya that Israel will continue to stand by Ukraine. We have both experienced an invasion, we have both experienced brutalities, and we will forever bear those scars. Yet if inaction continues to be the modus operandi of the Organization, every other member of the free world will eventually bear those scars, too. We, Israel and Ukraine, are the canaries in the coal mine. To the rest of the free world, I say: “Wake up! Wake up!”.

Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union (see A/78/PV.57), and I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. Ten years ago, in February 2014, Russia began its aggression against Ukraine with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. Eight years on, we witnessed the culmination of that aggression when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion against its sovereign neighbour and relentlessly attacked Ukrainian cities across the country. As we have stated before, both here in the General Assembly and in the Security Council, Malta unequivocally condemns Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We condemn its attempt to forcefully change the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and all attempts to forcibly integrate Ukrainian territory into the Russian Federation. That includes the imposition of Russian citizenship, illegal referendums, illegal population censuses, forcible changes to the demographic structure of the population of Crimea and the suppression of national identity. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the orchestration of referendums in violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity represent an affront to the fundamental principles of international law. They are violations of the Charter of the United Nations — the very foundation of our shared system of multilateralism. The human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories is of grave concern. The inhabitants of those regions, particularly the Crimean Tatars, have been subjected to human rights limitations and deprived of basic freedoms. International monitoring mechanisms, including the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, have affirmed that Russia has violated international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the country. Some of those violations include indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, systematic summary executions, torture and ill treatment, inhumane detention conditions, rape, sexual and gender-based violence and the forced transfer and deportation of children. We urge Russia to provide full information on Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported to the Russian Federation from the territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. The latest report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented violations of the rights to life, liberty and security by Russian security forces in Crimea, as well as in parts of Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk and Luhansk. That is unacceptable, and it is our collective duty to hold the perpetrators to account. Russia must be held accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine. We support ongoing accountability processes and the important work of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. We also echo the Secretary-General’s call on the Russian Federation to abide by the complete prohibition of torture and ensure the independent, impartial and effective investigation of such allegations on the peninsula. It is essential to ensure that the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and religion are safeguarded and that they are exercised by all individuals and groups without any preconditions or unjustified interference. Malta will continue to stand alongside Ukraine until a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is achieved. We urge the international community to engage constructively towards that end. We reiterate our demand that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally cease its aggression and withdraw all its troops and proxies from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

The Republic of Paraguay highlights the fact that, once again, international peace and security are threatened by war. We therefore believe that the work of the United Nations must be intensified, as multilateralism faces highly visible challenges in terms of its effectiveness and legitimacy. We condemn war and the crimes that lead to the denaturation of the dignity of human life. Today, two years since the start of the armed conflict in Ukraine, we must recognize the weaknesses and limitations that multilateral institutions have demonstrated in their ability to address challenges with global impact and systemic risk that endanger not only the belligerent States, but the international community as a whole. International terrorism, transnational organized crime and corruption benefit from the wars and crises that distract us from our joint work. Paraguay’s spirit and history compel us to embrace dialogue as the only mechanism to resolve whatever conflict may arise, as demonstrated by the 1924 Gondra Convention, proposed by a Paraguayan and unanimously adopted by all Latin American countries, without a single amendment. Its aim was precisely to avoid and prevent wars among nation States. We urge all the parties to this conflict to immediately halt military action to prevent further victims and damage. There is no doubt whatsoever that we must work on revising and reforming the mechanisms, measures and institutional capacities of multilateral organizations so as to prevent new wars, such as the one that is ravaging Ukraine. But with or without reforms, we must put an end to the ruthless loss of so many human lives. We also urge all competent international bodies to work to maintain peace, while seeking to implement confidence-building measures and striving to de-escalate the geopolitical tensions that keep the world on tenterhooks. All peoples deserve to live in peace, and all States have the right see the principle of territorial integrity ensured, which is one of the fundamental bases of the duty of maintaining international peace and security. We must work to bolster the United Nations, with a view to building new capacities that will allow it to respond effectively and efficiently to the permanent and changing global challenges. Paraguay believes that the organic and functional structure of the United Nations must more faithfully reflect the current dynamic of the international stage, on a participatory, democratic and equitable basis, guided by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to equitably promote peace, security and prosperity for our countries. It is with that mindset that we must also analyse possible actions or decisions with regard, inter alia, to reform of the Security Council.

Two years have passed since the Russian Federation launched a new military incursion into the territory of Ukraine, which, it must be said with resounding clarity, constituted an aggression that violates fundamental norms and principles enshrined in international law and the Charter of the United Nations, including the prohibition of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. Peru reiterates its condemnation of this act of aggression, as it has been doing in the relevant multilateral forums, in particular the eleventh emergency special session of the General Assembly. The ongoing war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis  — more than 10,000 civilians have died and nearly 20,000 have been injured; approximately 6.3 million people have been forced to flee, now finding refuge mostly in various European countries; and approximately 40 per cent of the population remaining in Ukraine, that is, some 14.6 million people, require humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, the economic consequences of the conflict have affected the entire world. The rise in food and fuel prices has had negative effects, especially for developing countries. Food insecurity has increased, and poverty has risen, harming millions of people, in particular the most vulnerable. In line with Peru’s principled position of full respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as its commitment to pacifism, last year, my delegation co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution entitled “Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine” (resolution ES-11/6). Regrettably, a year later, it appears that the conflict is not nearing an end. Until November last year, there was a trend towards decreasing civilian casualties, but this number significantly increased during December 2023 and January and February of this year, a period during which hostilities escalated and attacks in urban areas occurred. In the light of that, Peru firmly reiterates that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In that vein, it condemns attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, regardless of their location or the identity of the perpetrators. Similarly, it calls for the dignified treatment of prisoners of war on both sides and for their rights to be respected. Similarly, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Peru reaffirms that all Member States must comply with the provisions of Security Council resolutions and the decisions of the International Court of Justice. In that context, Peru recalls that, in March 2022, the International Court of Justice ordered, among other provisional measures, that the Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on 24 February 2022 in the territory of Ukraine. In that regard, Peru insists on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the commencement of consultations for a diplomatic, peaceful and negotiated solution that allows for a global and lasting settlement to the conflict  — one that is in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, entails full respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and considers the interests and security perceptions of the parties involved, in order to ensure harmonious international relations.

At this plenary meeting of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly on agenda item 62, Thailand reaffirms once again its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and those of international law, in particular, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force against States. Thailand continues to be gravely concerned about the prolonged situation in Ukraine and its dire humanitarian consequences on civilians. Many have died. Many more have been injured and displaced. The safety and welfare of civilians, together with the easing of their suffering, should remain a key priority for all of us. In that regard, we commend the compassion shown by countries in the region that have provided a place of refuge to large numbers of people displaced by the conflict. We are also deeply concerned about the adverse impacts of the prolonged situation in Ukraine on the global economy, food security and energy security, as well as nuclear safety and security. On food security, for example, there have been higher food prices, as a reflection of higher agricultural and export price indices, according to the World Bank. That brings more hardship to the most vulnerable in various parts of the world. These adverse impacts, in their totality, have translated into greater obstacles in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, which adversely affects us all. Thailand therefore urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and calls upon the parties directly concerned to do their utmost to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need and address the ongoing adverse impacts of the prolonged situation in Ukraine that I have just enumerated. Thailand calls on all parties directly concerned to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We also welcome the efforts of all parties aimed at providing humanitarian assistance, based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and appreciate in particular the important role played in this regard by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other United Nations agencies. For our part, Thailand will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Thailand does not wish to see the politicization of the situation in multilateral forums. We join other Member States in the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and we urge all sides to engage in diplomatic efforts towards that end and for an early peaceful resolution of this devastating and protracted conflict. Conflicts anywhere and everywhere bring death and destruction, suffering and hardship. Their resolution by peaceful means and their prevention through diplomacy remain at the core of our mandate and at the heart of our responsibilities at the United Nations. Indeed, it is worth echoing what the Secretary- General tweeted recently — that “peace is humanity’s greatest responsibility”. To that I would simply add that with peace being humankind’s greatest responsibility, then certainly our love for humanity is what will help us to achieve it. Let us therefore be steadfast in our efforts to fulfil our mandate and our responsibilities so that we can better secure  — for humankind  — the blessings of peace, sustainable development and human rights.

The Syrian Arab Republic underscores the importance of diplomacy, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the maintenance of international peace and security and in promoting the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Accordingly, my country believes that the inclusion of the item under consideration on the General Assembly agenda is a political act that reflects the will of certain Western States with a view to provoking an escalation in the region. It is also meant to put pressure on the Russian Federation as a way of advancing their political agendas. The General Assembly’s continued consideration of the agenda item encroaches on the prerogatives of the Security Council, in violation of Article 12 of the Charter. Such violation is the result of certain Western countries exploiting the rostrum of the General Assembly to speak out against a founding member of the United Nations with an important role, thereby tarnishing the member’s image and prolonging the crisis. Criticism of the Russian Federation by Western countries and the hostile campaigns being waged against it are clear examples of the double standards adopted by those States. These States remain silent and fail to condemn the direct aggression and grave violations of the United States being committed against Member States thousands of miles away, including my own country, Syria. The United States is acting based on groundless pretexts and a manipulative and distorted interpretation of Article 51 of the Charter and the legitimate right of States to defend themselves. Furthermore, on its own, the United States is creating obstructions in the Security Council, preventing it from discharging its duties in the maintenance of international peace and security and in stopping the war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide being committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people. Western States have ignored the suffering of the people of the Donbas since the 2014 coup d’état in Ukraine. They have turned a blind eye to the hostile policies of the NATO member States, their provocative actions and their quest for reaching Russia’s borders, thereby threatening its national security. Those Western States did not respond favourably either to Russia’s practical suggestions to resolve the situation or to its extreme restraint. When the Russian Federation was compelled to launch a special operation to defend itself and civilians, Western States embarked on the hostile campaign we see today, which overlooks the true causes of the crisis that they themselves provoked. The ongoing escalation between Russia and Ukraine is the product of Western States not making good on the promises they made to the Russian Federation decades ago. Furthermore, those Western States have not upheld the understandings enshrined in the 2015 Minsk agreements. The Western States have ignored the Russian Federation’s legitimate security concerns and have been sending massive numbers of weapons and missiles to Ukraine with no consideration for the repercussions for security and stability in the region. As for the situation in Crimea, the position of the Syrian Arab Republic is underpinned first and foremost by the need to respect the will of the majority of the people living in that region, specifically their desire to remain an integral part of the Russian Federation, as clearly demonstrated by the results of the referendum held in 2014. In conclusion, addressing the current crisis requires genuine will to engage in a serious, constructive dialogue with due regard for the legitimate security, economic and humanitarian concerns of the Russian Federation. It also requires upholding international commitments and pledges and implementing them in good faith, the cessation of hostile and incitement policies and the ending of unilateral coercive measures imposed outside the framework of international legitimacy. Action must also be taken to restore security and stability at the regional and international levels.

Two years have passed since the shocking events of 24 February 2022, when the Russian Federation launched a full-scale military offensive to topple the Government of Ukraine and take control of further Ukrainian territory. Russia’s illegal war of aggression is in flagrant disregard of the prohibition of the Charter of the United Nations on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 also clearly built on and sought to consolidate Russia’s illegal seizure of Ukrainian Crimea and the Donbas region some eight years prior. The Security Council was unable to convene to debate and address Russia’s war of aggression owing to Russia’s use of its veto powers. That was not a failure of the United Nations as an institution; it was a failure of Russia to uphold its international obligations and to act as a responsible member of the international community. When the General Assembly was given the chance to address Russia’s actions one week after the invasion, the international community spoke clearly in calling for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. Two years on, despite the valiant resistance of the Ukrainian people and their early successes in beating back the Russian assault on Kyiv, Russia’s illegal occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine continues. The Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia have not been returned to their families. Russia’s senseless destruction of grain-exporting infrastructure and prime agricultural land, which feeds millions, goes on. The repercussions for global peace, security and economic stability continue to be felt around the world. New Zealand reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the Russian Federation’s blatant aggression against Ukraine. In announcing a new $26 million assistance package for Ukraine last Thursday, the Government of New Zealand indicated that it would continue to do what it can to address the terrible humanitarian consequences of Russia’s actions and ensure that Ukraine is provided with the means to defend itself. Our resolve to stand against the Russian Federation’s aggression is undiminished. We call again on the Russian Federation to commit to dialogue and to act in the interests of peace and in compliance with the Charter of the United Nations and the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. Russia has a duty to act consistently with its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

I would like to begin by thanking the President of the General Assembly for convening today’s debate, during which we can reiterate that the Russian Federation’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked invasion of the sovereign territory of Ukraine represents one of the greatest threats to international security and peace, based on the norms of international law, since the Second World War. It has now been two years since the beginning of this unjustifiable invasion, during which the Republic of Guatemala has stated in various international forums, particularly at the United Nations, the importance of condemning all actions carried out by the Russian Federation that threaten the territorial integrity and population of Ukraine in clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations. As a founding Member of the Organization, Guatemala attaches the utmost importance to the Charter, which contains the highest ideals of multilateralism, promoting the fundamental principles of international law and respecting the sovereign equality of States, their territorial integrity and political independence, as well as non-intervention in the internal affairs of States  — principles that all Member States must respect. We have also condemned Russia’s flagrant violations of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which have resulted in the unnecessary loss of human life, including of men, women and children, all of whom are victims of this unjustified act that continues to threaten the region, as well as global stability and security. Accordingly, we have co-sponsored resolutions submitted to the General Assembly and other international bodies, including the establishment of an Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine by the Human Rights Council, with the aim of investigating all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine since 2014. We will continue to engage in the relevant international processes to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as demonstrated by our support for the peace formula presented by Ukraine, which aims to establish both a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the security of the whole world based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly with respect to point 5 of the formula, entitled “Implementation of the United Nations Charter and restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the world order”. The duty to prevent and suppress these inhumane acts rests with all of us, as Member States of the Organization, and in particular with the permanent members of the Security Council, which have specific obligations and responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security. In that regard, Guatemala, as a State that respects international law and which has a deep desire for peace, calls for the prioritization of diplomacy in order to prevent the further escalation of the conflict from having disastrous consequences on a global scale, and we reiterate the importance of seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and security of all countries. In conclusion, Guatemala would like to express its support for life and international peace and security, with a firm commitment to leaving a better world to future generations.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Ukraine is grateful to all Member States that have reiterated during this debate their solidarity with my country in its just fight against the Russian aggression. We deeply appreciate their commitment to restoring respect for the Charter of the United Nations, including its principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. We also commend their readiness to continue efforts aimed at holding to account those responsible for the crime of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are further encouraged by their determination to contribute to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. That vision of peace is the basis of both the General Assembly resolution adopted on 23 February 2023 (resolution ES- 11/6) and Ukraine’s peace formula. It was important for Ukraine to hear these strong messages of solidarity last Friday (see A/78/PV.56), on the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of my country. It is equally significant to receive such messages today, as Ukraine marks the day of resistance to the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Ten years ago today, on 26 February 2014, approximately 10,000 residents of Crimea, including Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and people of other ethnic backgrounds, gathered in front of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea in the city of Simferopol for a peaceful rally to protest against Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of their homeland. They declared loud and clear to the world that Crimea is Ukraine and that Crimean people reject the Russians’ illegitimate, aggressive actions. People also rallied in other cities and villages across the Crimean peninsula, thereby completely undermining the fake narratives that Russia circulated as propaganda in support of the aggression in Crimea. The Russian occupiers, in turn, removed the insignia and acted under the guise of unidentified little green men to create an illusion of public support for occupation. They also resorted to a policy of repression and intimidation in the temporarily occupied Crimea, primarily targeting Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activists, in particular members of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. Those oppressive policies continue unabated to this day, as was recently established by the International Court of Justice in its judgment issued on 31 January. The cruel war, which is now being waged against Ukraine, was spawned by Russian revanchism precisely when it felt that the world would turn a blind eye to such attempted annexation. Wars truly end with justice when the evil that gave rise to them is quelled. That is why a sense of justice and the pursuit of peace must go hand in hand. That requires, in particular, not forgetting about Crimea. We must fight for the full restoration of international law in relation to Crimea and, therefore, any other territory. We must fight for the fundamental right of the Crimean Tatar people, just like that of any other people, to live in their own homeland. The relevance and efficacy of international law and the Charter of the United Nations are being tested now in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine — in the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions and in Crimea. It is in our common interest for those tests to be successfully passed. We cannot, however, place all our hopes for United Nations reform on an unidentified future. The citizens of my country are losing their lives today, and my primary interest, as Ukraine’s ambassador, is to make the best use of the United Nations toolbox and processes, in particular our preparation for the Summit of the Future, to halt the aggression. We will not benefit from a lengthy document covering everything if it does not have a list of concrete, robust actions — actions that will be instrumental for restoring respect to the Charter of the United Nations and addressing human suffering in Ukraine and throughout the world.

Since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken a clear, consistent and unwavering position, emphasizing that all United Nations Member States must fully respect the fundamental principles of sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that all parties should be directed to reopen negotiations as soon as possible and make every effort to de-escalate tensions. Long-term and sustainable peace can be achieved by addressing the root causes of the war, and reaching an agreement on a truce is the first and most important step towards peace and stability. Surprisingly, certain countries have once again made unsubstantiated references to Iran, alleging the use of Iranian-made weaponry in the Ukraine conflict or the so-called illegal transfer of weapons. The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly rejects those unfounded allegations and reaffirms its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law obligations. Iran has cooperated with many sovereign States in various fields, ensuring full compliance with international law and international humanitarian law. Therefore, Iran has not sold, exported or transferred any arms in contravention of its international commitments. The Iran-phobic campaign and the widespread systematic dissemination of disinformation and baseless allegations against Iran have always been one of the main elements of statements by the Israeli regime in this body. We have responded to those baseless allegations on the relevant items. However, the Israeli regime cannot conceal its ongoing brutalities in Palestine or divert attention away from its long-standing malign activities and policies in other countries. The Israeli regime is notorious for its atrocities and apartheid policies carried out against the people of Palestine and the region. By targeting innocent peoples, including women and children, in occupied Palestine, the Israeli regime continues to commit flagrant and systematic violations of human rights and all norms of international humanitarian law, especially the core crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. In conclusion, we want to underscore that addressing the current situation in Ukraine requires the collective efforts of international community and relevant stakeholders to find, in a pragmatic manner, a solution to end the war, rather than the provision armaments, which only prolongs the conflict.

My delegation is compelled to take the floor to exercise its right of reply in response to the groundless and provocative statements made by the representatives of the Republic of Korea, the European Union, Australia, Canada (see A/78/PV.57), Estonia and Israel. We categorically reject and strongly condemn the Republic of Korea’s and the West’s ridiculous and reckless outbursts, which merit no comment. We have already made clear our unchanged position. However, I would like to make a few comments. We reiterate that the Democratic Republic of Korea has never recognized the unlawful Security Council sanctions resolutions, cooked up by the United States and its vessel forces, to stamp out our sovereignty and right to existence. Clearly speaking, we have never had arms dealings with the Russian Federation, and we have no plan to do so in the future. The politically motivated intention of the Republic of Korea’s trumpeting about non-existent arms dealings is none other than an impure plot and political trick of the Republic of Korea, as a puppet of the United States, to cover up its criminal nature which is hell-bent on providing military support to Ukraine. We once again strongly denounce the Republic of Korea’s groundless claims and hostile acts aimed at tarnishing the image of our State as a grave political provocation against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea must bear in mind that, if it persists with its futile and reckless acts against our country and continues to incite confrontation by groundlessly provoking us, it inevitably will meet miserable destruction. We also strongly urge Western States to stop their political provocation and hostile acts against the Democratic Republic of Korea and give up the bad habit of making groundless accusations against others. Finally, Israel has no right to talk about others, as it is a war criminal State which is driving the Middle East, including Gaza, to catastrophe and unbearable tragedy by killing thousands of innocent Palestinian people, including women and children. The Democratic Republic of Korea will never tolerate any hostile act encroaching upon its sovereignty and dignity.

My delegation is taking the floor to exercise the right of reply in response to the statement just given by the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Korea. Any arms dealings with the Democratic Republic of Korea are prohibited as they are in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. The Democratic Republic of Korea’s denial of its transfer of ballistic missiles and munitions to the Russian Federation is a mere deception to the international community. North Korean munitions and missiles have been cited in Ukraine. We would like to reiterate that any arms deals with the Democratic Republic of Korea threaten not only the authority of Security Council resolutions, but also the global non-proliferation regime, and most of all, the lives of the Ukrainian people. And what the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea may receive from the Russian Federation, in return, will surely further challenge international peace and security.

My delegation takes the floor again to exercise its second right of reply in response to the continuous reckless claims made by the Republic of Korea. We totally reject and strongly condemn all accusations by the Republic of Korea and strongly warn once again that if the Republic of Korea is desperately plotting to spread groundless claims against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in order to pursue its wicked political aims, it will face our merciless counteractions, which will bring the worst consequences.

May I take it that the General Assembly now wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 62?