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Statement

by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UN General Assembly 

plenary meeting, Item 12 “Improving global road safety”

(24 June 2024)

 

Mr. President,

 

Ukraine has always supported international and national efforts in the road safety area and attaches great importance to upholding commitments on all road safety-related targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

These targets formed the basis for the Strategy of Improving Road Safety in Ukraine, adopted by the Government of Ukraine in 2020. This strategy aimed at reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries through a multi-faceted approach, focusing on improving road infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws, enhancing driver education, and promoting public awareness about road safety.

However, our progress has been severely undermined by the Russian troops invading Ukraine and using Ukrainian roads for their offensive attempts. The destruction of our road infrastructure has been catastrophic. Heavy artillery, mines, drones, and missiles have targeted and devastated our roads and bridges. Thousands of kilometers of roads and hundreds of bridges have been destroyed or damaged since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. In particular, as a result of hostilities, 25.4 thousand km of Ukrainian roads and 344 bridges were destroyed.

And how can we speak about road safety in cities without roads? Unfortunately, this seems to be the case in many Ukrainian cities and towns along the frontline in our territory.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to road safety. Our road services and law enforcement agencies are taking the necessary measures to improve it throughout the country. We also believe that international cooperation and solidarity in this area are more important than ever. Ukraine confirms its commitment to improving global road safety and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

 I thank you.