Statement by Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, Ambassador Andrii Melnyk at the formal plenary meeting of the General Assembly to consider the Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization (A/80/1) and to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on his priorities in 2026

(15 January 2026)

Madam President,

Aligning with the statement of the European Union, I would like to thank the Secretary General António Guterres for your passionate speech and your priorities of the work that you have presented.

I would also like to reject criticism of SG and the UN Secretariat that we just heard from the Russian delegation, including accusations of alleged bias. Such claims are absurd. There is only one truth, even if some do not like it.

Secretary General, you have mentioned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. It still remains the biggest challenge to international peace and security. We commend your constant condemnation of the atrocities that Russia keeps committing against the civilian population in Ukraine, especially these days when Russian missiles and drones have caused blackouts leaving millions of Ukrainians without electricity, without water, without heat under the freezing temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.

As the Security Council remains blocked by Russia cynically abusing its veto right, the role of the Secretary General becomes crucial in addressing the bloodiest war on the European continent since 1945.

Words of condemnation matter, but they are not sufficient.

We need new actions, we need new deeds, we need new initiatives, even if such engagement is unwelcome to one of the parties.

The UN cannot be just an observer, especially now when the mediation efforts of the United States of America are advancing.

Secretary General Guterres has already demonstrated strong leadership launching the Black Sea Grain initiative to free Ukrainian ports from Russian navy blockade and allowing us to export Ukrainian wheat to the Global South to ensure food security and fight hunger. That was a truly courageous step.

Now we would like to encourage you to continue this assertive approach and start new initiatives that would help us put an end to this barbaric Russian war.

We would hope and we would welcome your leading role in returning to Ukraine our children forcefully abducted by Russia. The respective resolution was passed by this Assembly last month and it has provided you with a strong mandate to act.

It is in this spirit that we wish you that this final year of your office will be the most successful one and will leave a lasting mark on history.

I thank you.