UNGA: 11TH EMERGENCY SPECIAL SESSION – LETTER DATED 28 FEBRUARY 2014 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF UKRAINE
Statement by H.E. Ms Rebecca Bryant, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
24 February 2025
Thank you Mr. President,
For three years, Australia has stood with Ukraine as it bravely defends itself from Russia’s illegal and immoral full-scale invasion, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia has an obligation to uphold international peace and security.
Yet it has chosen to target the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its peaceful neighbour.
Russia’s actions – including its destruction of Ukraine’s agricultural land and export infrastructure – cause harm globally, including for countries already facing acute food and energy insecurity.
Raising the cost of living for people all over the world.
Australia believes that all countries are better off in a world differences and disputes are settled through institutions, agreed rules and norms, and not by power and size alone.
The fate of Ukraine is a test for these international rules that have underpinned global peace, stability and prosperity.
North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to aid Russia is a dangerous escalation of the war.
Deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is destabilising Europe and threatening the security of Australia’s region – the Indo-Pacific.
Australia also has deep concerns regarding dual-use goods trade that sustains Russia’s military.
We urge all countries, including China, to step up efforts to prevent this trade which supports Russia’s invasion and defence industrial base.
Russia’s war has been marked by numerous reports of war crimes and human rights violations.
Russia must adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians – including aid workers – and the treatment of civilian detainees and prisoners of war.
Russia must provide full access to the International Committee of the Red Cross to all areas of Ukraine temporarily controlled by Russia, including all places of detention.
Australia unreservedly condemns Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and sabre-rattling throughout its illegal invasion.
Despite condemnation from a majority of UN Member States in July 2024, Russia’s war has increased the risk of a catastrophic nuclear accident.
Continued attacks on infrastructure and reckless conduct threatens to compromise nuclear safety, particularly at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Chornobyl nuclear power plants.
President,
We welcome all meaningful progress towards a just and sustainable peace.
A lasting peace should uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, support security and stability in Europe, and ensure Russia does not renew its aggression.
For any peace deal to succeed, negotiations must include Ukraine.
Australia is providing meaningful support totalling over $1.5 billion in military, economic, humanitarian and energy support to Ukraine.
And we have implemented a comprehensive suite of economic measures to ensure Australia does not fund Russian aggression.
On this sombre milestone, Australia mourns Ukraine’s losses and reflects on the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
The international community must come together to advance and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Thank you.