UK Statement at General Assembly Emphasizes the Importance of Achieving a Fair, Lasting, and Comprehensive Peace in Ukraine

Thank you, Mr. President.

A year ago, we gathered in this Hall as 130,000 Russian troops lined the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which had been illegally annexed. Many voices called for de-escalation, dialogue, and adherence to the UN Charter. Russia insisted it had no plans to invade.

The following day, Russia initiated its full-scale invasion, with Belarus serving as a staging ground.

We are acutely aware of the devastating consequences: Millions of civilians displaced. Countless lives lost—both Ukrainian and Russian. Hundreds of hospitals and thousands of schools destroyed. A generation of Ukrainian families scarred by trauma, abuses, and forced deportations.

Globally, rising food insecurity and energy costs are impacting every nation, severely affecting those who are most vulnerable.

In response, the General Assembly has convened in this Emergency Special Session six times over the past year. It has consistently called for Russia to halt its invasion and withdraw from Ukraine, condemned its illegal attempts to annex Ukrainian territory, reaffirmed respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and demanded adherence to the Charter.

Yet Russia persists. There are ongoing indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns, coupled with relentless strikes on essential infrastructure like water and electricity. This is a war against the Ukrainian people and their fundamental right to exist.

Ukraine has steadfastly resisted for every single one of the past 364 days, exercising its right to self-defense under the Charter. As Foreign Minister Kuleba noted earlier, every nation in this Assembly would fight for survival in the same manner.

However, beyond mere survival, what Ukraine truly seeks—and what we all desire and have consistently advocated for—is a just peace.

Tomorrow, we will cast our votes on a resolution. This resolution emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

A peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while putting an end to Russia’s ongoing aggression.

A vote in favor of the resolution is a vote for peace and for the UN Charter. We urge all of you to support us by voting ‘yes’.