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UN statement urges end to war in Ukraine, demands Russian withdrawal and accountability
Summary
A minister speaking at the United Nations General Assembly delivered a statement on behalf of Ukraine, many member states and the European Union marking three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, calling for an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, adherence to the UN Charter and accountability for crimes.
A minister speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Ukraine, a group of member states and the European Union said the assembly marked three years since the start of Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked full scale invasion of Ukraine” and called for an immediate end to the fighting.
The minister said the General Assembly “demanded an early end to this war of aggression and a just lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter,” and urged renewed diplomatic efforts to secure peace this year.
The statement, delivered on behalf of Ukraine, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the European Union, said any peace that “risks rewarding aggression increases the risk for any country” and would set a dangerous precedent for international law and sovereignty.
The minister reiterated a demand that Russia “stop the war of aggression against Ukraine and ensure the full immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” The speaker also called for a cessation of attacks on civilians and civilian objects and said the assembly would continue working to ensure accountability for serious crimes under international law committed in Ukraine.
The minister referenced an order of the International Court of Justice from March 2022, saying it “obliges Russia to immediately suspend its military operation on the territory of Ukraine.” The speaker said the General Assembly had reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, including territorial waters.
During a brief question-and-answer exchange following the statement, a questioner asked how Ukraine’s relationship with Washington would be characterized “following the actions that happened this morning.” The minister replied, “We have a really good working relationship,” and said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “is going to be at the White House in the next few days.” The minister added that the assembly had adopted a resolution “based on the UN Charter” containing provisions including condemnation of Russia’s aggression and accountability for crimes.
No formal vote or decision on a resolution or other binding action is recorded in the provided transcript excerpt; the remarks reported the General Assembly’s positions and calls as stated by the minister.
