Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine

Khrystyna Hayovyshyn at the informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing 

by the Secretary-General on his priorities

(15 January 2025)

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. Secretary General, 

We welcome briefing on your priorities for 2025.

Delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the Statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and will make few remarks in national capacity.

The effectiveness of the multilateral system hinges on our collective action to ensure that the United Nations, that is reaching its 80^th anniversary, remains a strong and effective institution that upholds the principles of the UN Charter and international law in the first hand.

This year will remain overburdened with global challenges and security threats. The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine as the gravest violation of the principles of the UN Charter is one of them. It continues to undermine international peace and security, global food and energy systems.

It is crucial to continue to make full use of the Secretary General’s mandate to address the threats and challenges stemming from this flagrant violation of the UN Charter, as well as to promote the vision of comprehensive, just, and lasting peace on the basis of the UN Charter principles.

In February, we approach the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and eleventh year of its ongoing aggression against our country.

Due to the Russian Federation's expansion of the war against Ukraine, security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now directly linked. The Russian Federation is fuelling its aggression by acquiring weapons, including missiles, from other states, in particular the DPRK and Iran. In addition to acquiring arms from the Pyongyang in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions, it has taken a step towards a serious escalation and expansion of this war by involvement of DPRK soldiers in its war against Ukraine. This dangerous development significantly escalates the risks and consequences of the aggression, further destabilizing the region and undermining global security.

Accountability for all violations of international law, including IHL, has to be ensured. It is crucial to uphold comprehensive ongoing monitoring and reporting by all UN mechanisms and mandates. In this context, the role of the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is particularly important.

We also count on impartial and credible monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation in Ukraine, encompassing all its temporarily occupied territories, as well as within the mandates of the UN Security Council regarding children in armed conflict and conflict-related sexual violence.

Ukraine is dedicated to work closely with you and will further support your efforts to contribute in building just peace and prosperity across the globe and to implement the Pact for the Future and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, also as the candidate to the ECOSOC for 2026-2028.

Thank you.