Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Khrystyna Hayovyshyn at the UNGA Plenary Meeting 
“Elimination of unilateral extraterritorial coercive economic measures as a means of political and economic compulsion” (agenda item 30)

16 June 2025

Mr. President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in national capacity.

We observe with concern that this agenda item is increasingly instrumentalized to attack the legitimacy of sanctions – or as some choose to label them, unilateral coercive measures.

Let us be clear: such measures, when applied in response to blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter, serve as a legitimate, peaceful and necessary tool of deterrence.

Sanctions are a signal that the international community does not tolerate aggression, occupation and war crimes.

It is deeply ironic that certain Member States, whose own regimes are responsible for military invasions, annexations and atrocities, portray themselves here as defenders of international law – being a member of the “Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter.” This does expose the very double standards.

Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine is a case in point. Since 2014 and especially since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Russian Federation has deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, forcibly deported children, killed thousands of civilians and weaponized energy and food security on a global scale.

Those who enable such crimes – by supplying weapons, sending troops or financing aggression – are also responsible.

In this context, sanctions against the Russian Federation are not only lawful – they are essential.

They are a peaceful means of enforcing international law, of raising the cost of war and occupation and of limiting the aggressor’s ability to continue its crimes. In this regard, such sanctions are a vital element of a just and lasting peace.

Moreover, as the Russian Federation is not signaling any genuine intention to stop its war against Ukraine, we see no alternative but even more intensified international pressure – political, military and economic. Without further delay, sanctions must be expanded and strengthened. Russian oil, its shadow tanker fleet, financial networks and its military industry must all be targeted.

This will send an unequivocal message that violations of international law must cease and that the restoration of international peace and security is imperative.

I thank you.