Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
Two years have passed since the shocking events of 24 February 2022, when the Russian Federation launched a full-scale military offensive to topple the Government of Ukraine and to take control of further Ukrainian territory.
Russia’s illegal war of aggression is in flagrant disregard of the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 also clearly built on, and sought to consolidate, Russia’s illegal seizure of Ukrainian Crimea and the Donbas region some eight years prior.
The UN Security Council was unable to convene to debate and address Russia’s war of aggression, due to Russia’s use of its veto powers.
This was not a failure of the UN as an institution; it was a failure of Russia to uphold its international obligations and to act as a responsible member of the international community.
When the UN General Assembly was given the chance to address Russia’s actions one week after the invasion, the international community spoke clearly in calling for Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine.
Two years on, despite the valiant resistance of the Ukrainian people, and their early successes in beating back the Russian assault on Kyiv, Russia’s illegal occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine continues.
The Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia have not been returned to their families. Russia’s senseless destruction of grain exporting infrastructure and prime agricultural land, which feeds millions, goes on. The repercussions for global peace, security, and economic stability continue to reverberate around the world.
New Zealand reiterates our unequivocal condemnation of the Russian Federation’s blatant aggression against Ukraine.
In announcing a new $26 million assistance package for Ukraine last Thursday, the New Zealand Government indicated that we will continue to do what we can to address the terrible humanitarian consequences of Russia’s actions, and to ensure that Ukraine is provided with the means to defend itself.
Our resolve to stand against the Russian Federation’s aggression is undiminished.
We call again on the Russian Federation to commit to dialogue, to act in the interests of peace, and in compliance with the United Nations Charter and the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. Russia has a duty to act consistently with its responsibilities as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council.
We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.
Thank you.