Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the informal meeting of the General Assembly plenary on the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council

(15 April 2025)

Mr. Chair,

The delegation of Ukraine would like to express its position on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.

We believe that making the Security Council more representative and balanced is vital for adapting the UN to the global realities of the 21st century.

Ukraine considers both directions of reform—its enlargement and improving the Council's working methods—as high priorities.

Our core message in the context of enlargement is that a reformed Security Council must remain a functional and credible body as well as capable of effectively fulfilling its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Ensuring both balanced representation and an adequate response by the Security Council to critical issues must remain a central focus of our deliberations within the IGN process.

Moreover, Security Council reform must be carried out in strict accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter.

Mr. Chair,

Regarding the Council’s enlargement, we recognize the existing geographical imbalance in its current composition and support the increased representation of developing countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

At the same time, the Eastern European Group remains one of the least represented in the Council with only 1 seat for 22 states from our region. So, a core element of our position remains unchanged: any increase in the non-permanent membership of the Security Council must include enhanced representation of the Group of Eastern European States.

At the same time, all our deliberations on the enlargement of the Security Council—both in terms of size and representation—will have diminished meaning and impact if a reformed Council continues to include a state that commits the crime of aggression against another Member State and holds its seat based on dubious legal grounds.

I thank you.