Remarks by Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Khrystyna HAYOVYSHYN 

at the side-event “Discussion on Russia’s Hybrid Activities as a Threat to International Peace and Security”

(25 February 2026, Permanent Misson of Germany)

Excellencies,

Distinguished colleagues,

At the outset, I would like to thank Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and the NATO Liaison Office for co-organizing this important event. We are pleased to join as co-sponsors. At a time when Russia’s hybrid activities continue to expand in scale, geographic reach, and sophistication, today’s meeting is both timely and necessary.

I also cannot but express my profound gratitude to all UN Member States that voted in favor of the General Assembly resolution “Support for a Lasting Peace in Ukraine” yesterday. The General Assembly has sent a clear call for an immediate ceasefire as a precondition for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is important to stress that this war has never been confined to the battlefield but has also unfolded in the information space and cyberspace.

From the outset of its aggression against Ukraine, Russia has relied on its proxies to enable and sustain its war efforts, with Belarus playing an instrumental role in facilitating the invasion.

Today, we are witnessing coordinated Russia–Belarus hybrid activities, including joint military exercises and the preparation of infrastructure related to the deployment of intermediate-range missile “Oreshnik” on the Belarusian territory. This is a clear show
of intimidation designed to threaten Europe and Ukraine.

We also have clear and credible evidence that drones are being regularly launched from Belarusian territory.

At the same time, these launches would hardly occur without Iran’s transfer of Shahed drones to Russia. These UAVs have since become one of the key instruments to inflict terror on Ukrainian population. After all, with Tehran’s support, Moscow has established local production and assembly capabilities for them.

Unable to achieve its objectives on the battlefield and facing depleted ammunition stockpiles, Russia has increasingly relied on the DPRK for military assistance. Beyond weapons and ammunition transfers, Moscow has involved North Korean military personnel in its war of aggression against Ukraine, which led the internationalization of the conflict and undermining peace and security in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and far beyond. This development raises serious concerns about the combat experience DPRK forces are gaining, and about how and where Moscow and Pyongyang may seek to employ these capabilities in the future.

Cyberspace has become one of the key theaters of Russia’s war of aggression. In the early stages, Russian cyberattacks were largely targeting military and government institutions. Later on, Russia has primarily focused on inflicting harm to civilian population.

We are also aware of an intensification of malicious cyber activities against EU and NATO countries, aimed at interfering in democratic processes and undermining international support for Ukraine.

There is a dangerous new trend — the growing use of artificial intelligence in Russian cyber and disinformation operations.

Throughout the whole period of the war, we have going through various stages of Russian disinformation. Today, a clear distinction must be made between independent journalism and Russian state-backed propagandists posing as “journalists,” who incite hatred, glorify war crimes and seek to legitimize aggression.

Just yesterday, Russia’s propaganda machine intensified its disinformation campaign by spreading new false allegations against Ukraine and its partners, including fabricated claims about the possible transfer of nuclear weapons or sensitive nuclear technologies to Ukraine.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Russia’s behaviour clearly demonstrates that Ukraine is not the endpoint for Moscow, but rather the frontline of a broader threat to international peace and security.

Our experience clearly shows that actions of the Russian Federation require a principled and resolute response, including a more active and decisive role for the United Nations.

Russia understands only the language of strength. Only firm action, combined with sustained pressure, can deliver a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and deter the spillover of Russian hybrid activities across Europe.

Ukraine stands ready to work with all partners to strengthen collective resilience, accountability and ensuring proactive deterrence against hybrid threats emanating from Russia and its proxies.

Thank you for your attention.