Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Ms. Khrystyna Hayovyshyn at the UN Security Council Open Debate under agenda item “Small Arms”

(10 November 2025)

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, Ukraine wishes to express its appreciation to Sierra Leone for convening this Security Council open debate.

We would also like to thank Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for presenting the Secretary-General’s report, and all other briefers for their valuable remarks.

Ukraine remains gravely concerned that the diversion and illicit transfer of SALW continue to threaten international peace and security. It is particularly alarming that these weapons cause countless deaths, enable grave violations against civilians, including women and children and fuel conflicts and instability in many regions.

We are also concerned that Africa, especially West Africa and Sahel, remains severely affected by the illicit proliferation of SALW, which undermines governance and sustainable development.

Ukraine fully supports African-led initiatives, in particualr the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, designed to bring an end to conflicts across the continent, including by tackling the illicit proliferation of arms.

We encourage enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in this regard.

Mr. President,

Ukraine welcomes the recent positive developments, including the adoption of the Final Document of the Fourth Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on SALW, as well as the Recommendations by the Preparatory Meeting of States on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) for the Meeting of States within the GFA to be held in 2027.

For Ukraine, the illicit trafficking of weapons and ammunition constitutes one of the gravest threats to national and regional security. Combating these crimes remains a key priority for all our law enforcement agencies, especially amid Russia’s war of aggression.

Ukraine has been taking systematic measures to prevent the spread of illicit weapons within our country and beyond its borders. In this regard, we maintain close cooperation with the OSCE, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine, Europol, INTERPOL, Frontex, and other organizations and partners through data exchange and joint operations, which help to ensure that the situation along our borders remains under control.

Mr. President,

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has been sustained by Iran and the DPRK, which have unlawfully transferred drones, missiles and ammunition in flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

Ukraine calls on all Member States to unequivocally condemn military cooperation with Russia, Iran or the DPRK.

Impunity for those who violate Security Council arms embargoes must not be tolerated; accountability is essential to preserving the credibility and effectiveness of the Council’s decisions.

In conclusion, Ukraine remains committed to contributing to global and regional efforts aimed at preventing the diversion and misuse of SALW, including by strictly implementing this Council’s arms embargoes.

Thank you.