One year ago, the world watched as tensions mounted between Russia and Ukraine. With 130,000 Russian troops massing on Ukraine’s borders and illegally annexing Crimea, many called for de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for the UN Charter. Russia claimed it had no intention of invading, but the next day, it launched a full-scale invasion, with Belarus providing one of the staging grounds.
The impact of this invasion has been devastating. Millions of civilians have been displaced, and countless lives have been lost. Hundreds of hospitals and thousands of schools have been destroyed. A generation of Ukrainian families has been scarred by abuses, trauma, and forced deportation. The war has caused increased food insecurity and energy prices, affecting every country and hurting those most in need.
In response, the General Assembly has met in an Emergency Special Session six times in the past year. It has repeatedly called for Russia to end its invasion and withdraw from Ukraine, condemned Russia’s illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territory, and reaffirmed respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, demanding respect for the Charter.
Despite these calls, Russia continues its aggression. Ukrainian cities and towns are still subject to indiscriminate attacks, and Ukraine’s water, electricity, and other infrastructure are systematically targeted. It is a war on the Ukrainian people and their right to exist.
Ukraine has resisted every day for the past year, exercising its right to self-defense under the Charter. As Foreign Minister Kuleba said earlier, every country in this Assembly would fight to survive in the same way.
But beyond its own survival, what Ukraine wants is just peace. This is what we all want, and we have continually called for it. Tomorrow, we will vote on a resolution that underlines the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
This resolution is a vote for peace and the UN Charter. It guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and ends Russia’s constant aggression. We urge all of you to join us in voting ‘yes’ for this resolution and to work towards a just peace for Ukraine and the world.
Source: Gov[Dot]Gov
