On 4 January 2016 Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Mr. Volodymyr Yelchenko presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

During the meeting Mr. Volodymyr Yelchenko spoke in support of a more active role of the UN to stop the Russian aggression against Ukraine. He stressed that one of the possible ways the UN could engage in the de-escalation of the conflict in Donbas would be the deployment of the peacekeeping operation there. “We are ready to discuss the mandate and other aspects of such an operation. In order to analyze the situation on the ground we invite the assessment mission of the UN Secretariat to visit Ukraine,” – said Permanent Representative.

Mr. Yelchenko also noted that establishment of the UN mission in support of the implementation of the Minsk agreements in Ukraine could be another possible area for cooperation. As he stated, this mission could be engaged in coordination of the demining operation in the east of Ukraine due to the huge experience of the UN in this area.    

The parties also discussed the Ukrainian agenda in the UN Security Council. Mr. Yelchenko mentioned that one of Ukraine’s priorities would be to promote consistent adherence to the UN Charter, in particular to the respect for territorial integrity and political independence of states. Moreover, he stressed that Ukraine would pay special attention to the peace and security in Africa and the Middle East, counterterrorism, protection of civilians in armed conflicts, and nuclear non-proliferation.