Statement by Chargée d’Affaires of Ukraine to the UN Khrystyna Hayovyshyn at the informal interactive dialogue with H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, candidate for the position of President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly

(15 May 2025)

Mr. President, Excellency,

The delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

We thank you, Excellency, for your comprehensive vision of priorities and readiness to serve as President of the General Assembly during this critical year marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 80 years of the end of the WWII.

Ukraine welcomes your strong emphasis on peace, justice, the rule of law, accountability and the indivisibility of humanity. These are not abstract principles — they are the bedrock of international stability and must be actively defended.

Your presidency will coincide with two processes of historic importance.

First, the selection of the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ukraine expects this process to be transparent, inclusive and truly guided by the principles of the UN Charter. We count on the PGA’s important role in this process.

Second, the implementation of the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative to reform the United Nations. This is a rare opportunity to shape a more effective and trustworthy Organization. We rely on your leadership to advance meaningful reforms — especially in making the GA more focused, impactful and responsive to global challenges.

We fully share your view that the UN must remain fit for purpose and firmly anchored in its Charter.

We believe that the role of the PGA in matters of peace and security is growing in importance. As a platform where the wide international community can respond to threats to international peace and security and acts of aggression, the GA has adopted a number of key resolutions since the beginning of the Russian Federation’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.

Consistency in this matter, the PGA’s clear stance in line with UNGA resolutions is vital to restoring the UN’s ability to uphold its Charter and respond effectively to violations of its core principles.

We are confident that, in the role of the PGA, you will stand firm on the side of the UN Charter, and it comes as no surprise that one delegation, which is the heaviest violator of the Charter, is scared of such a position as we heard today.

You can count on Ukraine’s full support during your term in office.

I thank you.