Explanation of position by the Delegation of Ukraine on draft resolution A/80/L.3 and the draft amendment A/80/L.35 submitted by Belarus

Madam President,

The Delegation of Ukraine would like to explain our position regarding the drafts submitted by Belarus.

We have submitted draft resolution A/80/L.27 which is the result of an inclusive, transparent and open negotiation process.

This draft resolution has been co-sponsored by over 40 Member States.

In its draft amendment A/80/L.35, Belarus proposes removing the word “Ukraine” when referring to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

This move is directly aimed at undermining the sovereignty of Ukraine and is unacceptable.

Belarus’ other proposal is not to welcome the report of the Secretary-General, which correctly uses the geographical name Chornobyl in accordance with established rules, thereby undermining the standards for the use of geographical names. The Secretary-General’s report also provides an accurate and factual description of events, explicitly referring to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Furthermore, the draft amendment proposes deleting important new elements of draft resolution A/80/L.27, in particular those related to recent developments on the ground.

This is yet another attempt by Belarus to conceal the truth about the situation in and around the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Let me stress that the draft documents submitted by Belarus do not reflect any significant developments on the ground, including the consequences of the Russian drone strike in February 2025, causing significant damage to the New Safe Confinement.

Let me once again remind that it was from the territory of Belarus that the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

For these reasons, we urge all delegations to reject all drafts submitted by Belarus.

Thank you, Madam President.