Check against delivery

STATEMENT

of the Delegation of Ukraine at the 39^th UN GA plenary meeting

under agenda item 125 «Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations» 

the draft resolution «Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization» (A/79/L.11)

delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Khrystyna Hayovyshyn

(18 November 2024)

Mr. President,

Before the General Assembly proceeds with consideration of draft resolution A/79/L.11, entitled «Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization», our delegation would like to make the following statement.

After Russian Federation’s illegal, unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the General Assembly with overwhelming majority adopted the resolution «Aggression against Ukraine», wherein it deplored in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine in violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter.

Tomorrow, 1000 days will have passed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And as we mark this grim milestone, it is worth reminding that the unlawful use of force was launched by the armed forces of the Russian Federation with the assistance and support of Belarus, whose involvement in it was recognized and deplored by the General Assembly.

Russian Federation and Belarus as its accomplice, bear responsibility for this act of aggression, an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent state, a brutal violation of the UN Charter and basic norms and principles of international law as well as a breach of international peace and security.

Meanwhile, both Russia and Belarus are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization with the armed forces of the Russian Federation forming its «core». Over the years the CSTO has never been an entity serving a constructive purpose, but rather a clear example of the destructive policy tools employed by Russian Federation in the region. The ill-natured essence of CSTO is evidenced by the fact that not all its members have even shown interest in co-sponsoring this resolution, which points to deep and irreversible decline of this organization.

Mr. President,

Ukraine supports cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which is an important tool for the effective settlement of conflicts and the promotion of peace and security.

However, against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is unacceptable morally and politically to support any cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization at a time when this violation of the UN Charter is still underway and in full swing.

Taking this into account, we call on all Member States not to support any cooperation between the United Nations and the CSTO, in particular the draft resolution A/79/L.11.

We request a recorded vote on the draft resolution A/79/L.11, entitled «Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization».

Ukraine will vote against it.

 Thank you.