Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariana Betsa called the UN General Assembly vote on resolutions marking the anniversary of the full-scale war a victory for Ukrainian diplomacy.
She made this statement in a comment to Ukrinform.
“It was extremely difficult to push our resolution forward in these new geopolitical realities, but we did it. I consider this a victory for Ukrainian diplomacy,” Betsa said, adding that this day would go down in the history of international relations and the UN.
According to Betsa, who represented Ukraine at UN events on February 24, the key takeaway from these votes is that the world stands with Ukraine and with the truth.
On this day, the UN adopted three resolutions on the anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine: the General Assembly passed two resolutions — one Ukrainian and one American with European amendments, and the Security Council adopted a U.S. resolution without European amendments.
Betsa emphasized that the General Assembly’s resolution is particularly important for Ukraine, as it represents nearly 200 countries worldwide. It includes critical provisions, notably classifying Russia’s actions in Ukraine as crimes.
“Secondly, the document is based on the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing sovereignty, territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, the inviolability of borders, and the prohibition of force or threats of force by one country against another,” she explained.
The resolution also underscores the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts and the importance of holding Russia accountable.
Before the emergency special session of the General Assembly, where the resolutions were discussed, Ukrainian diplomats held consultations with over 100 countries. Betsa herself had about 30 meetings with diplomats, including representatives of the Global South and UN leadership.
“This resolution is not just in support of Ukraine and a comprehensive, lasting, and just peace. It also upholds the UN Charter and the principle that an aggressor must be held accountable,” Betsa said.
At the same time, she pointed out that the Security Council’s resolution, which includes 15 members, does not contain provisions aligned with the UN Charter or those contributing to a comprehensive, lasting, and just peace.
Betsa also highlighted that European nations demonstrated unique unity in both the General Assembly and the Security Council by supporting Ukraine’s resolution and amendments to the U.S. draft resolution.
She emphasized that Russia’s goal to destroy Ukraine and its people has not changed. Ukraine, however, seeks peace, one that ensures territorial integrity, calls the aggressor what it is, and holds Russia accountable.
“Undoubtedly, we need very strong security guarantees. Without reliable security guarantees, there can be no comprehensive peace,” Betsa stressed, adding that the U.S. remains Ukraine’s ally.
As reported by Ukrinform, on Monday, the UN General Assembly adopted two resolutions (one Ukrainian and one American with European amendments) on the war in Ukraine.
On the same day, the Security Council passed a U.S. resolution without European amendments.
Source: UN vote on war anniversary shows victory for Ukrainian diplomacy – MFA
