Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, on Tuesday said that they must force the Russians to come to the negotiating table, and the only way to do this is through strength.
The Ukrainian diplomat was responding to questions following a press briefing marking 1,000 days since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During the briefing, he read a joint statement on behalf of an alliance of countries and the European Union, which Cyprus co-signed. Permanent representatives from allied nations were also present.
Emphasising the need for unity among Ukraine’s allies, Ambassador Kyslytsya added: “We must remain united to prevent war.”
When asked about nuclear threats, he dismissed the notion that the Russian leadership would resort to such measures. “I don’t believe anyone in the Russian leadership is brave enough to commit suicide,” he said.
Regarding the possibility of nuclear escalation, Ambassador Kyslytsya noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin “was made very aware some time ago of what would happen if he dared to act on the threats he makes to the Western world.”
The joint statement expressed a collective condemnation of Russia’s continued aggression, reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.
The milestone of 1,000 days of war was described as a tragic reminder of the importance of upholding international law and resisting challenges to the global order.
“We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and reiterate that Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of parts of Ukraine’s sovereign territory has no validity under international law and does not constitute a basis for any change in their status,” the statement declared.
It also highlighted Russia’s ongoing indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas and critical infrastructure in violation of international humanitarian law, which have caused immense human suffering, including casualties, displacement, and widespread destruction. The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability for crimes under international law and justice for victims, particularly children.
“We condemn Russia’s relentless and indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas and vital civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, in violation of international humanitarian law, which daily increase the toll of victims, displaced persons, and destruction,” the statement emphasised.
The statement stressed the importance of protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering caused by the invasion. It also expressed deep concern about the broader global consequences of the war, including its negative impact on food security, energy stability, nuclear safety, and the environment.
“We are committed to ensuring accountability for crimes under international law and justice for all victims of this aggression, particularly children. This commitment is essential to preventing future atrocities worldwide,” the statement added.
The signatory countries reiterated their demand for Russia to cease its aggression and underscored the necessity of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the UN Charter. They called on UN member states and international organisations to intensify their support for diplomatic efforts, referencing UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/6 and the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland in June 2024.
The countries expressed unwavering support for Ukraine, reaffirming their unity in pursuing a solution based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The joint statement concluded by underscoring the need for continued international solidarity to ensure that international law prevails wherever it is challenged.
In addition to Cyprus, the statement was signed by Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States), Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
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Source: CNA
