Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Ms. Khrystyna Hayovyshyn during the Interactive dialogue in the Third Committee UNGA 80th session with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
27 October 2025 23:50
Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Ms. Khrystyna Hayovyshyn
during the Interactive dialogue in the Third Committee UNGA 80th session
with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
27 October 2025
Chair,
Ukraine expresses its deep gratitude to the Commission. Your tireless work in documenting and investigating the most horrific violations of international humanitarian and human rights law gives hope to countless victims. Your mission is vital — it is how truth is preserved, and justice begins.
Ukraine continues to endure systematic, large-scale crimes committed by the Russian Federation. So far, Ukrainian prosecutors have registered over 188,500 war crimes. Russia’s brutal aggression has taken the lives of at least 15,500 civilians — among them 661 children — and injured more than 35,000 others.
The killing of civilians is Russia’s deliberate choice. They intentionally target homes, schools, hospitals — the very heart of civilian life — in open defiance of international law.
Just a week ago, on October 21, a Russian missile hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv. That same day, another strike near Kyiv killed a six-month-old baby girl, her mother, and their 12-year-old cousin. Six people died that night; seventeen were wounded across Ukraine.
Every month, Russia sends more drones against peaceful towns and villages. Since the start of 2024, more than 5,200 FPV drone attacks have been recorded, killing over 300 people and destroying thousands of civilian buildings. Locals describe it in simple, chilling words: “They are hunting us.”
We share the Commission’s conclusion in the presented report — these acts constitute crimes against humanity. For the first time, Ukraine has opened a criminal case under this article. The investigation continues.
No less cruel is Russia’s policy of forced deportation. At least 27,700 Ukrainians — including 19,500 children — have been taken from their homes. This is a calculated policy aimed to erase Ukrainian identity from occupied lands.
Even more horrifying are the executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war — 281 cases confirmed so far, including the mass killing of 49 soldiers in Olenivka. These are war crimes that will never expire or be forgotten.
Russia’s systematic violence is a challenge to the very foundations of international law. It demands unity and moral clarity from the entire world.
We therefore call on the international community to:
- continue supporting the Commission of Inquiry’s essential mandate;
- strengthen all international accountability mechanisms;
- increase pressure on Russia to end its crimes and return all deported Ukrainian children.
Justice and accountability are not abstract ideas — they are the foundation of peace. Only by proving that those who commit or enable such crimes will face justice, no matter how long it takes, can we ensure that these atrocities are never repeated.
Finally, Ukraine would like to ask the Commission: What further steps or support from UN Member States are most critical to ensure that the evidence you collect leads to real accountability and prosecution of perpetrators — especially at the highest levels of command?
Thank you.
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