Statement 

by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to UN, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andriy Melnyk, LL.M., 

at the first General Committee’s meeting on retaining of the item 

“The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine” 

on the agenda of UNGA 81st session

(9 September 2026)

 

Mr. President,

Let me begin by congratulating you on assuming this important role and assuring you of Ukraine’s full support. 

I wish you success in this challenging mission.

Mr. President, distinguished members of the General Committee,

It is regrettable that the representative of the Russian Federation has once again chosen to disrespect our rules of procedure and abuse its membership in the General Committee by spreading lies and disinformation. 

We are not going to dignify it with a discussion today, but we do discard all the absurd allegations of Russia. 

It was Russia that started an unprovoked war of aggression in 2014 by attempting to annex Crimea, which remains part of Ukraine.

The request by the Russian representative to remove the item “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine” from the agenda of the 81st session of the General Assembly is absolutely unfounded. 

This step is yet another demonstration of the Russian Federation’s disregard for the decisions of this body.

Just last week, on 1 September, the General Assembly held a debate under this very item. 

The broad participation and strong engagement of Member States underscored its undisputable relevance. 

This debate confirmed that the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine not just remains grave, but is rapidly deteriorating. 

Therefore, it requires this Assembly’s constant attention.

Let me also recall that the decision to include this item on the agenda was taken by the General Assembly itself. 

In OP 17 of resolution 77/229 adopted on December 15, 2022, the Assembly, and I quote, “decided to include the item entitled ‘The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine’ in the agenda of the General Assembly until the violations committed as a result of foreign occupation and control of parts of the territory of Ukraine are duly dealt with and the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders is fully restored.” End quote.

This decision was subsequently reaffirmed in resolutions 78/221, 79/184 and 80/223.

We deeply regret the Russian delegation’s continued defiance of the decisions of the General Assembly, the most representative principal organ of this Organization. 

At a time when Russia continues its full-scale invasion and occupation of parts of Ukraine, the reasons for keeping this item on the agenda are as compelling as ever.

The General Assembly’s constant attention is indispensable to addressing the consequences of Russia’s aggression and occupation, including grave violations affecting civilians in the temporarily occupied territories. 

Our shared responsibility is not to allow any procedural manoeuvres to shield these actions from international scrutiny, but to ensure even greater attention, monitoring and accountability for blatant violations of the UN Charter and international law.

I therefore respectfully call upon all members of the General Committee to vote “YES” to retain this item on the agenda.

Thank you.