Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the First Committee Thematic Debate under Cluster 6 ‘Regional disarmament and security’

(28 October 2025)

Chair,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
We would also like to make a few remarks in our national capacity.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to inflict suffering on Ukrainian people and to destabilize international and regional peace and security. This illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale invasion constitutes a blatant violation of the UN Charter.

The Russian Federation has been deliberately striking peaceful Ukrainian cities and communities with missiles and drones without any respite, killing innocent people every day as well as committing brutal atrocities in the occupied territories. Civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and energy facilities are all being targeted by Russia’s attacks.

These actions clearly demonstrate that it is Russia that stands in the way of peace.

Chair,

Russia's seizure, militarization, and ongoing occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) pose unprecedented threats to nuclear safety not only in Ukraine but throughout Europe and the world.

Throughout its illegal occupation of the plant, Russia has grossly violated international law and nuclear and radiation safety norms and standards, including the IAEA's fundamental principles on nuclear safety and security.

Under occupation and military pressure, ZNPP has been forced into
single-point-of-failure conditions. The plant has endured repeated total losses of off-site power, most recently on 23 September 2025, when emergency diesel generators again became the last line of defence.

Although the 750 kV line was restored on 23 October 2025, real safety requires redundancy across all damaged connections and verified access for repairs.

In addition, IAEA access remains constrained. Qualified staffing has been degraded by pressure, coercion, and disrupted rotations.

Ukraine stresses that the return of ZNPP to Ukraine’s full control is the only way to restore nuclear safety and stability. Only the Ukrainian regulator and operator can ensure the proper level of nuclear safety at the plant in accordance with international standards and IAEA guarantees.

We emphasize that ZNPP was, is, and will remain Ukrainian. We call upon UN Member States to put pressure on the Russian Federation to ensure immediate withdrawal of its troops and other unauthorized personnel from the territory of the plant.

Chair,

Russia continues to fuel its war of aggression and draw other actors into its campaign of terror in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and the foundational norms of international law.

It receives drones, missiles and ammunition from Iran and the DPRK. This enables Moscow to prolong its war and escalate the suffering of our people. Furthermore, North Korea has also deployed its troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.

As of today, Ukraine continues to recover foreign-manufactured components from Russian missiles and drones used to strike our civilian infrastructure. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to halt the flow of materials and technologies that fuel Russia’s armed aggression.

We urge all countries to cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, including the provision of direct military aid and the supply of dual-use goods to sustain Russia’s war effort.

Thank you, Chair.