Statement by Chargée d’Affaires Khrystyna Hayovyshyn

at the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on

“Promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes”

(24 July 2025)

Mr. President,

Ukraine welcomes the initiative of the Presidency of Pakistan to convene this debate and we are grateful to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing.

Multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes constitutes a cornerstone of the UN’s founding vision. These principles are fundamental prerequisites for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Today, multilateralism is facing perhaps its gravest test since the establishment of the UN. The full-scale war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine represents a blatant violation of the UN Charter. It is a direct assault on the very foundations of international law and the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes.

This aggression is not only a war against Ukraine; it is a war against the international law and multilateralism itself. Russia has weaponized food, energy and even nuclear threats — creating ripple effects far beyond Ukraine’s borders. It is the antithesis of multilateralism. It is coercion through force, not diplomacy.

Mr. President,

The peaceful settlement of disputes requires not just dialogue, but also good faith, respect for international law, and accountability. Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace — through diplomatic channels and negotiations based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Multilateralism, to be effective, must be supported in good faith by the wide international community. It must not be reduced to an empty ritual.

Nowhere is this contradiction more visible than in this Chamber. A state that commits aggression against its neighbor continues to enjoy the privileges of a permanent seat and exercises veto power to shield itself from accountability. This structural flaw severely undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the Security Council.

We therefore reiterate the urgent need to reform the UN Security Council, as the core platform for the peaceful settlement of disputes, including by addressing the misuse of the veto.

Mr. President,

True multilateralism demands action — not only to prevent war, mediate and facilitate dialogue, but also to ensure justice. It demands collective courage to uphold international law and to act decisively in the face of aggression. It also requires strengthening the UN’s preventive tools — from early warning to mediation and conflict-resolution support — and ensuring their impartial application.

Ukraine believes that building sustainable peace requires the meaningful participation of all affected states and peoples.

Let us be clear, if we allow aggression to go unpunished and principles to be selectively applied, we will set a dangerous precedent. We will signal that might makes right — a message that will embolden future aggressors and jeopardize global peace. And aggressor instead of bearing consequences of its unlawful actions will enjoy privileges as any other Member State. The international community cannot allow this. Comprehensive, just and lasting peace has a chance when accountability is in place.

Ukraine stands ready to work with all responsible nations to protect and revitalize multilateralism for the peaceful settlement of disputes — not as a slogan, but as a force of diplomacy for real solutions.

Thank you.