Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine
in Exercise of the Right of Reply
at the High-Level Event to Commemorate 
the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 

(16 March 2026)

Mr. President,

The delegation of Ukraine takes the floor in exercise of the right of reply in response to the statement delivered by the representative of the Russian Federation.

We categorically reject the attempt by the Russian Federation to refer to the city of Simferopol as if it were part of its territory. Simferopol is a city in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which is an integral part of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

This position has been clearly and repeatedly confirmed by numerous resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, including General Assembly resolution 68/262, entitled “Territorial Integrity of Ukraine,” adopted on 27 March 2014.

The temporary occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation following its illegal attempt to annex it in 2014 has been consistently condemned by the international community.

Attempts by the Russian Federation to instrumentalize the fight against Islamophobia while continuing its aggression against Ukraine and repression in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including against Muslims, are particularly cynical.

If the Russian Federation truly cares about Muslims, it must cease its aggression against Ukraine and withdraw its armed forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

I thank you.