Statement 

by the Delegation of Ukraine 

in Exercise of the Right of Reply to the Russian Federation 

during the Thematic Discussion on Cluster 4 (Conventional Weapons) 

of the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly 

at its Eighty-first Session

(22 October 2026, New York)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

Our delegation is compelled to take the floor in response to the statement made by the delegation of the Russian Federation.

Let us be clear. Russia is an aggressive state and Ukraine is defending itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Ukraine remains firmly committed to international humanitarian law and to fulfilling its international obligations in the field of conventional arms control. Ukraine continues to uphold the fundamental principles of IHL, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects.

On the contrary, the Russian Federation continues to employ virtually every category of conventional weapon in its war of aggression against Ukraine, including ballistic and cruise missiles, attack drones, including jet-powered drones, heavy artillery, cluster munitions, incendiary weapons. anti-personnel mines, as well as booby traps and other explosive devices.

Russia systematically uses these weapons to deliberately target and kill Ukrainian civilians, destroy residential areas, hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and other critical civilian infrastructure, seeking to inflict maximum death, suffering, and destruction upon the Ukrainian people.

Russia's actions constitute flagrant violations of fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including those enshrined in the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in times of war and Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.

Furthermore, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitutes a war crime. I reiterate that war crimes and crimes against humanity are not subject to any statute of limitations. Ukraine's competent authorities are documenting these Russian atrocities and opening criminal proceedings to bring those responsible to justice.

We call on all our partners and international organizations to respond decisively and firmly to these Russian crimes in a manner commensurate with their unprecedented scale and brutality.

Ukraine will remain committed to international humanitarian law and to the protection of civilians.

We will continue exercising our inherent right to self-defense, using the means necessary to protect our sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.

Thank you.