At Plenary Meeting of the Conference on Disarmament, Speakers Address Situation in Ukraine

 

The Conference on Disarmament today held a plenary session, at which it heard speakers addressing the situation in Ukraine.

Many focused on the situation created by the military intervention of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which has been taking place since February 24, most of them denouncing this armed action, as well as the decision of the Russian Federation to put on alert its deterrent force, including nuclear forces.

There was also an exchange of views on a procedural issue, with the Russian Federation, supported by other delegations, arguing that the holding of the meeting was not in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Conference on Disarmament, in particular that the meeting had been convened without mentioning an agenda item and without consulting all members of the Conference. Other delegations disagreed with that position. Based on the practice of the Conference, and with examples of public meetings of the Conference held in the past without invoking agenda items, the President gave the floor to the delegations on the list of speakers. Under those circumstances, the Russian delegation announced that it was leaving the room.

Speaking in today’s plenary were United Kingdom, Chile, United States, Sweden, France on behalf of the European Union, Spain, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, Ecuador, France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Estonia, Poland, Belgium, Cyprus, Latvia, Finland, Romania, New Zealand, Slovenia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Norway, Turkey, China, Israel, Belarus, Lithuania and Iran.

The next plenary of the Conference is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 8.

Statements

United Kingdom said that Russia’s unprovoked and premeditated attack against Ukraine cast a dark shadow over the work of the Conference. Ukraine had suffered horrific attacks, including missiles, air strikes and the deaths of innocent people. The United Kingdom was gravely concerned about reports of the use of cluster munitions. Russia had a responsibility to uphold international peace and security. The United Kingdom stood with Ukraine and condemned Russia’s campaign of disinformation, including attempts at staging false pretexts for war. It was now more important than ever for the international community to revitalize its commitment to arms control and disarmament. That needed to begin with strengthening existing frameworks, and with calling out non-compliance. The United Kingdom reiterated its support to the President, government and people of Ukraine in their hour of need.

Chile expressed deep concern about the armed aggression by the Russian Federation and the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and categorically condemned the use of force in international relations. The Conference must resume its work promptly, achieving nuclear disarmament to avoid a threat to humanity. Chile was concerned about the announcement of the Russian Federation to raise the level of alert of their nuclear weapons systems. A legally binding instrument that prohibited the threat of the use of nuclear weapons for non-weapons States should be discussed in the Conference.

United States condemned the senseless war and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Neither the United States nor the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had any desire for conflict with Russia, and Russia was not under threat from these bodies. Provocative rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons was reckless and should be avoided. Russia and the United States had affirmed that a nuclear war could not be won and must never be fought, and the United States stood by that statement. Ukraine had willingly given up its Soviet-era nuclear weapons and joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State. Russia had invaded two neighboring countries – Ukraine and Georgia – and had failed to abide by commitments to withdraw forces and munitions from Moldova. From President Zelenskyy to every Ukrainian, their fearlessness, their courage, their determination, inspired the world.

Sweden fully supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine was a clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. Sweden condemned the Russian Federation’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine. The aggression had severe consequences - not only for Europe, but globally, and challenged the rules-based international order. Sweden also condemned the involvement of Belarus in the aggression against Ukraine, and called on the Russian Federation to refrain from further provocations and engage in dialogue, with the aim of restoring security, stability and peace in Europe. Given the current security situation, the risk of another nuclear arms race could not be ignored. To effectively tackle global disarmament, all available multilateral platforms must be used, including the Conference on Disarmament.

France, on behalf of the European Union, said Russia was grossly violating international law. The European Union remained strongly committed to the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes. Ukraine had acceded to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state. The European Union called on Russia to respect international humanitarian law and urged the cessation of attacks including weapons use in densely populated areas. International law fully applied to the employment of all weapon systems, and those who employed those weapons remained accountable for their use. The European Union deplored the tragic loss of life and human suffering, and condemned President Putin’s threats of using nuclear weapons in the war. In the interest of all of humanity the Russian Federation must cease its nuclear brinkmanship.

Spain condemned the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine, reiterating Spain's support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Russia's military aggression against Ukraine constituted a violation of international law. Russia must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure a peaceful solution. Spain said that the world could not afford to do without disarmament, a fundamental instrument at the service of international peace and security. It was urgent to negotiate a treaty on negative security assurances to protect non-possessor States from threats from possessor States. Spain was concerned about the statement by the Belarusian authorities proposing a reconsideration of its nuclear-weapon-free status.

Germany said the work of the Conference was heavily affected by the Russian aggression in Ukraine and condemned Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine and the involvement of Belarus in that aggression. Germany called for a withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, also calling on Russia to stop its accusation that Ukraine would strive to acquire nuclear weapons, which was absurd. Through enhancing its nuclear forces, Russia had taken another irresponsible step, undermining its credibility as a responsible nuclear weapon state. Germany was concerned about the risks caused by Russian aggression in regard to nuclear weapons and that Russia had taken charge of the Chernobyl nuclear plant. Ukraine had the full and unwavering support of Germany.

Italy said the unprovoked aggression by Russia was a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and also condemned the involvement of Belarus. Italy stood in full solidarity with Ukraine, and demanded that Russia immediately cease hostilities and withdraw all forces, fully respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The price of the war was being paid by the most vulnerable, and Italy stood in solidarity with all those whose lives had been affected by the war of the Russian Federation. Italy would play its part for a strong and united humanitarian initiative. Even in difficult times, diplomacy would not stop, and the Conference still had a crucial role to play in nuclear disarmament.

Ukraine said an act of full-scale aggression against a sovereign State was being perpetrated by a United Nations member State. In violation of the United Nations Charter, Russia had the aim of destroying the State of Ukraine and overthrowing the Ukrainian government. The Russian Federation had seized Chernobyl nuclear power plant, holding the personnel at the plant hostage and forcing the maintenance of operations at the facility at gunpoint. The war waged by Russia could put pathogens collection by Ukraine at risk of release into the environment. Russia had destroyed the international security system on the European continent by violating disarmament treaties, and should not have a seat in the Conference.

Ecuador reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s decision to launch a military operation which violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. It was imperative that the civilian population were protected. War was the denial of human rights in all areas. Ecuador was against the use of nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear weapon use against all States; all countries had the right to live in peace and dignity.

France expressed solidarity with Ukraine and condemned the military invasion launched by Russia against Ukraine. The war was a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and would have a considerable impact on the work on the Conference on Disarmament and beyond. Russia’s statements raising the state of alert of nuclear forces was unacceptable. The violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity constituted a further direct violation by Russia of its security commitments and guarantees under the Budapest Memorandum. Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a human tragedy and the protection of civilians needed to be a priority. Cluster munitions presented a double humanitarian risk. France would continue to push for the negotiation of a treaty banning the production of fissile material for military use.

Netherlands said that dialogue and diplomacy was the only way forward, adding that the Conference on Disarmament was crucial to that process. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a violation of international law and Netherlands condemned the invasion. Netherlands was concerned about the unfolding humanitarian crisis and the refugees moving from Ukraine to neighboring states. Commending the courage of the people of Ukraine, Netherlands called on all States to show the Ukrainian people that they were not alone. Netherlands called on Russia to de-escalate and lower their nuclear level to pre-war levels and condemned the involvement of Belarus in the aggression against Ukraine.

Canada said the invasion of Ukraine and threats made in the context of putting nuclear forces on high alert represented a blatant disregard for international law. Putting Russian nuclear forces on high alert put President Putin in a contrary position to the recent statement by the five permanent Security Council members. Canada was a strong supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty and called on Russia to withdraw its troops immediately and engage in dialogue and diplomacy. It was not too late for Russia to return to the path of peace and work with the international community for a better world for everyone. The Conference on Disarmament needed to produce better results in terms of disarmament.

Australia expressed concern at reports of a rising number of civilian casualties and damage to vital civilian infrastructure, calling on Russia to withdraw immediately from Ukraine. Russia’s decision to put its nuclear deterrence forces on high alert posed a grave risk to the people of Ukraine and the region. It was unacceptable that the use of nuclear weapons was openly threatened by a nuclear weapons State. Australia was also concerned by developments in Belarus, a country that was complicit with the Russian invasion. The situation showed there was an urgent need for practical progress on nuclear risk reduction, nuclear arms control, and nuclear disarmament, and the Conference had a central role to play.

Australia reiterated its full support for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.

Switzerland condemned the Russian Federation's military attack on Ukraine, saying it constituted a violation of international law. Following its independence, Ukraine had renounced its nuclear weapons and acceded to the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1994 as a non-nuclear-weapon State, contributing to the security of its neighbors and overall security. The security assurances which Ukraine received in return had been violated. Switzerland was concerned by statements by the Russian Federation in relation to nuclear weapons and the adoption of a new constitution by Belarus renouncing its nuclear-weapon-free status. A rapid change of trajectory was essential in view of the events in Ukraine and their consequences for the Ukrainian people and overall security.

Estonia said Europe was facing a large-scale war. Russia’s attack on Ukraine was not just an attack against Ukraine, but also against democracy, the rule of law and the right of any nation to make its sovereign choices. It was an attack against international peace and security, and against collective efforts in arms control and disarmament. The global security architecture was at stake and there needed to be a global response to Russia’s aggression.

Poland said the Russian invasion of Ukraine posed the greatest threat to European security seen in decades and Poland condemned it. Poland was alarmed by the Russian decision to put nuclear forces on high alert. The aggression against Ukraine was in contradiction to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Russia was occupying the Chernobyl power plant, causing an increase in the radiation dose in that area. Russia had conducted military operations in the vicinity of nuclear plants in Ukraine. The bedrock of the Chemical Weapons Convention had been undermined by Russia. Poland was also concerned about Russian activities in the cyber- and space domain.

Belgium condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Russia needed to immediately cease military operations and withdraw all forces. Belgium called on Belarus to cease its attack and abide by all its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Belgium reiterated its support for the concrete measures of risk reduction and called on Russia to cease attacks against civilians, medical facilities and schools as that was a clear violation of humanitarian law.

Cyprus deplored the high number of killings of civilians. Cyprus condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a flagrant violation of international law and the rules-based international order, and rejected any breach of international peace and security, through military action, by any State, against the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of another. Cyprus, itself a victim of foreign invasion and continuous occupation, stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Cyprus asked the Russian Federation to end hostilities, to withdraw from Ukraine and to reverse its unlawful acts. All participating States at the Conference of Disarmament should constructively engage in negotiations to further strengthen the security architecture in order to maintain international peace and security.

Latvia said that Russia’s aggression and brutal attack was in clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Those actions gravely violated international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter. Russian aggression against Ukraine could have global and long-term negative consequences for the existing rules-based international order. Latvia condemned Belarus for enabling Russian attacks. Vladimir Putin’s nuclear rhetoric was completely irresponsible. The rules-based international order should not be taken for granted and everything must be done to protect it.

Finland said that it was clear that the developments of Russian aggression belonged on the agenda of the Conference of Disarmament and addressing them was the only way to keep the Conference on Disarmament relevant and a key forum in the future. Finland strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s ongoing attack targeted Ukraine but was also an attack on the entire European and global security order. Finland firmly supported Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, self-determination, and territorial integrity. Finland would continue supporting Ukraine’s right and efforts to individual and collective self-defense in accordance with the Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Romania said the international security challenges being faced were more critical than ever. Russia should hear the clear call of the international community for their actions to be stopped immediately. Romania was concerned at statements echoing an explicit nuclear threat saying that should not be taken lightly. Romania affirmed its strong support for Ukraine and urged Russia to turn back from the path of violence and aggression it had chosen. Romania stood in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine and supported the country.

New Zealand said Russia had invaded Ukraine in a flagrant breach of the United Nations Charter and international law. New Zealand stood with Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression against it. Russia’s decision to place its nuclear settings on high alert was inflammatory. New Zealand was also concerned at Belarus revoking its non-nuclear status. New Zealand condemned the use of cluster munitions and called for the use of explosive weapons to cease. Conducing an illegal invasion and threatening the use of nuclear weapons were the actions of a bully. New Zealanders were inspired by the courage of Ukrainians and stood with them.

Slovenia said Russia’s actions were unacceptable and represented a gross violation of international law. Slovenia called for Russia to end its military activities in Ukraine and condemned Belarus for its role in the aggression. The deteriorating security environment called for more arms control. Slovenia was encouraged by the recent joint statement by the five permanent members of the Security Council, and hoped Russia remained true to that commitment. The upcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference must be used to strengthen the Treaty, and its unique role in the global security architecture should be reaffirmed.

Republic of Korea said the Conference on Disarmament had a unique role as the sole multilateral negotiation forum. The situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression was highly relevant. It was unprecedented and significant that the Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament were addressing the same issues at the same time. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Republic of Korea was concerned about the attacks by Russia which had led to a loss of life, and called on Russia to cease military actions and withdraw all forces from Ukraine territory. Republic of Korea was ready to support the international community to resolve the situation in Ukraine peacefully and diplomatically.

Japan said it was most relevant for the Conference on Disarmament to update its message in light of recent developments. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violated international law and the United Nations Charter. Japan condemned Russia’s acts of aggression, calling on Russia to withdraw forces and come back to the path of diplomacy. Japan welcomed the General Assembly’s adoption of its resolution on that subject, and called on the Russian Federation to immediately implement the resolution. Japan was greatly concerned that Russia had raised its nuclear alert level, contradicting their participation in the joint statement of the five permanent members of the Security Council. The tragedy of Hiroshima must never be repeated, and nuclear weapons use should never be tolerated.

Montenegro continued to strongly support efforts to overcome the deadlock of the Conference. Russia’s unjustified aggression in Ukraine threatened to jeopardise a rules-based international order. Montenegro condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and the involvement of Belarus. The Russian Federation had violated its obligations under the Budapest memorandum. Montenegro called on Russia to cease its military actions and unconditionally withdraw all forces from Ukraine.

Bulgaria said the United Nations Charter prohibited the threat or use of force against any State, which meant States must respect each others’ territorial integrity. Bulgaria called on Russia to end its military aggression in Ukraine. Russia’s decision to put its nuclear forces on high alert was very worrying. The Conference on Disarmament still had a long way to go, in terms of building trust.

Slovakia said a war was raging in Ukraine, and Slovakia was a direct neighbouring country. Slovakia was deeply concerned by the Russian Federation’s decision to increase its nuclear rhetoric in the context of the conflict. That contradicted the joint statement issued by the nuclear weapon States. Slovakia was concerned that military actions were putting the lives of civilians in Ukraine in danger and would lead to gross violation of human rights. Slovakia urged the Russian Federation to immediately stop all military activities in Ukraine and return to dialogue and negotiations.

Norway condemned the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, saying Russia’s actions violated international law and shredded the Budapest memorandum. Norway was struck at the injustice and was providing humanitarian support in sympathy with the people of Ukraine. Norway deplored the use of heavy explosive weapons in urban areas and called on Russia to protect civilians and infrastructure. Norway was concerned about Russia’s dangerous rhetoric around nuclear weapons. Russia’s disregard for a rules-based order cast a dark shadow over the Conference, but reinforced that the Conference needed to succeed in its work and make substantive progress.

Turkey aligned itself with the statement given on behalf of the European Union. The ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine was unacceptable, and Turkey rejected the unlawful acts which threatened global security. Turkey was concerned about the risks to critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants in Ukraine, calling on Russia to stop its military operation and return to diplomacy and dialogue. Turkey reiterated its call for a comprehensive cease-fire and stood ready to facilitate any effort toward a peaceful way out of the situation.

China said the situation in Ukraine had taken a sharp turn, which was highly concerning. China’s fundamental position was to advocate respect for all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. The most urgent priorities were to prevent a worsening of the situation and step-up diplomatic countries’ efforts. Russia and Ukraine had both expressed willingness for negotiations. A solution to the Ukraine crisis lay in abandoning the practice of seeking regional security through the expansion of military blocks. Dialogue and negotiations needed to be used. The Conference on Disarmament was not the venue to deal specifically with the Ukrainian issue. China was ready to work with all parties to prepare for the work of the five subsidiary bodies.

Israel said Russia’s attack on Ukraine was a serious violation of the international order. The Government of Israel had condemned it, and called upon Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Israel had long-standing and positive relations with both Russia and Ukraine, and given those ties, was willing to contribute to the diplomatic efforts, if so requested. Israel hoped for the safety of all civilians and for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Belarus rejected accusations that the country had facilitated the conflict, saying that on the contrary, Belarus was providing a negotiations platform which it was hoped would lead to a peaceful settlement. Accusations that Belarus was not implementing its obligations under the non-proliferation treaties were not justified; Belarus continued to implement all its obligations under non-proliferation frameworks.

Lithuania condemned Russia’s unprovoked large-scale aggression against Ukraine, and further condemned actions by Belarus, which had enabled and supported that aggression. Russia had violated its commitments under the Budapest Memorandum. Russia’s threats seriously undermined the Non-Proliferation Treaty regime and the entire disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. Despite calls from the international community to stop, Russia had continued to escalate its operations, including stepping up its attacks against cities in Ukraine. The world should take action to support the Ukrainians’ fight for democracy, freedom and peace.

Iran emphasised that the territorial integrity of all States must be respected, and the safety of civilians must be guaranteed. Wars and destruction inflicted on civilian lives were not acceptable. Iran called for the urgent cessation of hostilities and underlined that dialogue was essential to address issues of concern. Iran continued to call for a peaceful resolution of the conflict including a ceasefire and the start of dialogue, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid to those who needed it.

 

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

 

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