United Nations S/PV.

8974
Security Council Provisional
Seventy-seventh year

8974th meeting
Wednesday, 23 February 2022, 9.30 p.m.
New York

President: Mr. Nebenzia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Russian Federation)

Members: Albania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Hoxha

Brazil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Costa Filho
China. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Zhang Jun
France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. De Rivière
Gabon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Biang
Ghana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Agyeman
India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Tirumurti
Ireland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Byrne Nason
Kenya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Kimani
Mexico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Buenrostro Massieu
Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Juul
United Arab Emirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Abushahab
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . . Dame Barbara Woodward
United States of America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield

Agenda
Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to
the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/136)

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of
speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records
of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They
should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member
of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506
([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official
Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).

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The meeting was called to order at 9.35 p.m. Ms. DiCarlo: Earlier today, the so-called authorities
of the Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics requested
Adoption of the agenda military assistance from the Russian Federation.
The agenda was adopted. Also today, the Ukrainian authorities declared a
nationwide state of emergency and announced other
Letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent related defence and security measures, including the
Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations mobilization of reservists.
addressed to the President of the Security Council
(S/2014/136) Throughout the day, we have seen disturbing reports
of continued heavy shelling across the contact line and
The President (spoke in Russian): In accordance civilian and military casualties. There are also reports
with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of
of the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure.
procedure, I invite the representatives of Germany and
This evening, different media are carrying reports of
Ukraine to participate in this meeting.
an ongoing large-scale military build-up and military
In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s columns moving towards Ukraine. The Russian
provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Rosemary Federation has also reportedly shut airspace to civilian
DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and aircraft near the border with Ukraine.
Peacebuilding Affairs, to participate in this meeting.
The United Nations cannot verify any of these
The Security Council will now begin its reports. But if these developments were confirmed,
consideration of the item on its agenda. they would greatly aggravate an already extremely
I wish to warmly welcome the Secretary-General, dangerous situation.
His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, to whom I now The Ukrainian authorities are also reporting a new
give the floor.
large-scale cyberattack targeting several State and
The Secretary-General: I want to reaffirm what financial institutions.
I expressed this morning in the meeting of the General
President Zelenskyy earlier this evening called
Assembly (see A/76/PV.58), but of course it would not
make any sense to bother members reading again the for continued diplomacy. Separately, President Putin
same text that I am sure they are all aware of. also spoke about his continued readiness to engage
in dialogue.
In between, during the day, a number of events took
place, and with your permission, Mr. President, I would We encourage such efforts even at this late hour.
like to ask Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo to be able to brief the United Nations staff remain on the ground to provide
Council on those events. humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.
We are committed to staying and delivering. All
But simultaneously, today was full of rumours parties must ensure their safety and security. Respect
and indications that an offensive against Ukraine
for international humanitarian law and international
was imminent. In the recent past, there were several
human rights law is also paramount.
situations with similar indications, similar rumours,
and I never believed in them, convinced that nothing We cannot predict exactly what will happen in
serious would happen. I was wrong, and I would like the coming hours and days in Ukraine. What is clear
not to be wrong again today. is the unacceptably high cost in human suffering and
So, if indeed an operation is being prepared, destruction of an escalation. The people of Ukraine
I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my want peace, and I am certain that the people of Russia
heart: President Putin, stop your troops from attacking want peace. We must do everything in our power to
Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have ensure that peace prevails.
already died. The President (spoke in Russian): I thank
The President (spoke in Russian): I thank the Ms. DiCarlo for her briefing.
Secretary-General for his introductory remarks.
I shall now give the floor to those members of the
I now give the floor to Ms. DiCarlo. Council who wish to make statements.

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Mr. Hoxha (Albania): This is the fourth time consequences of the war, but also the historical blame
that the Security Council is meeting on Ukraine in a and shame of invading a neighbouring country, when
matter of weeks. Every time we meet, the reality on its responsibility as a big country and a permanent
the ground confirms bit by bit what some of us have member of the Security Council calls for it to work and
been anticipating. Russia has been saying one thing help preserve peace and security, not torpedo it.
and doing the opposite. We were told that troops were
We reiterate our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty
retreating when their number has only increased. We
were told to stop the hysteria since troops were in and territorial integrity, within its internationally
Russian territory. That is no longer the case. They are recognized borders and territorial waters.
invading a neighbour, unprovoked with false pretexts, In conclusion, I welcome the presence of the
false narratives and fabricated news. Permanent Representative of Ukraine at this meeting.
Every development that has unfolded in the past 48 I would like to convey to him and the Ukrainian
hours confirms to us and the world that Russia’s concerns Government and people that, at this most critical
have nothing to do with its security, that its anxieties moment of their history, they are not alone, and we
are not linked to NATO expansion and that this issue is stand firm and in full solidarity with them for their
not a confrontation between Russia and the West. This right to be free and chose who they want to be.
is a confrontation between Russia and international law Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield (United States of
and the Charter of the United Nations that it deliberately America): I thank the Secretary-General for his strong
has chosen to ignore — a confrontation between a stance and powerful remarks today before the General
hegemonistic vision and a rules-based world order. Assembly (see A/76/PV.58) and for his remarks tonight.
It is not about Russia’s concerns; it is about Russia’s A few moments ago, I spoke to President Biden,
appetite. The Ukrainians are facing another aggression who asked me to convey in the strongest possible terms
just because they dare to exist, because they have his and our steadfast support for Ukraine and for the
chosen to be independent and because they have opted urgent meeting the Security Council has convened
for democracy. tonight. Furthermore, he asked me to share that the
This is a dark hour not only for Ukraine, but for United States and its allies and partners will continue
the entire international community, as we witness with to respond to Russia’s actions with unity, clarity
trepidation the progression of a pure act of aggression, and conviction.
carefully planned and cold-bloodedly executed. We are here tonight because we believe, along
We called and hoped for a backdown of the Russian with Ukraine, that a full-scale, further invasion into
Federation from this senseless destructive and self- Ukraine by Russia is imminent. Tonight, we are seeing
destructive action. We repeat the same call on Russia the Russians close airspace, move troops into Donbas
to stop, to reflect, to reverse its illegal decisions, to and move forces into combat-ready positions. This is a
withdraw from this senseless madness, to de-escalate perilous moment. And we are here for one reason and
and not to push on towards the precipice. Several one reason only — to ask Russia to stop, return to its
mechanisms are in place and various proposals have borders, send its troops, tanks and planes back to their
been made, including by President Zelensky, whose barracks and hangars, and send its diplomats to the
calls remain unanswered. Diplomacy is like hope. It negotiating table. It should back away from the brink
dies last, but, if it is to work, it must be seized, not before it is too late.
ignored, as the Secretary-General said earlier.
Last week, the United States informed the Security
We call on our fellow members of the Security
Council and the world (see S/PV.8968) about what we
Council to rally in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and
expected to see unfold. We said that Russia would
territorial integrity. Russia has been warned repeatedly
manufacture a pretext for an attack. We have since seen
that it will be alone in this foolishness and that it will
numerous false-flag events staged along the lines of
be responsible for the innocent lives lost, including
contact in Donbas. We said Russia would theatrically
possibly Russian lives, and for the destruction caused
convene emergency meetings at the highest levels of
in the heart of Europe in the twenty-first century.
the Russian Government. We all saw that on Monday,
If they choose to continue to execute their plans, as with the State-televised Russian Security Council
every indication points to, they will bear not only the meeting held by President Putin — an orchestrated

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moment in which the Russian Government decided to its people, the Ukrainian people and the world to the
recognize as “independent States” sovereign territory brink of a conflict that will produce an untold amount
of Ukraine controlled by Russia’s proxies since 2014. of human suffering.
Russia literally violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity on live television before the world. I said it in the General Assembly this morning (see
A/76/PV.58), and I will say it again tonight — every
We said that false proclamations would come day, Russians should be asking themselves right now
declaring that Russia would need to defend Russian- how many Russian lives Putin will sacrifice for his
speakers in Ukraine. We got that and much more from cynical ambitions. Responsible members of the Security
President Putin’s speech on Monday and during the Council will stand together, and we will stand with
speech of the Russian Ambassador before the General Ukraine. We will do so despite a reckless, irresponsible
Assembly today. No one could have predicted just how permanent member of the Security Council abusing its
dangerous, inciting and far-reaching President Putin’s powers to attack its neighbour and subvert the United
speech would be, with Putin arguing for taking the Nations and our international system.
world back in time to an era of empires and colonies.
This morning, in the General Assembly, we saw
Finally, we said the attack would come next and
dozens of leaders from across the globe stand up to
that we could expect communications to be jammed and
defend the Charter of the United Nations and Ukraine
cyberattacks to shut down key Ukrainian institutions.
against Russia’s brazen attacks. We were proud to stand
Last week, we attributed to Russia denial-of-service
with them. Today I had the opportunity to meet with
attacks against Ukrainian banks, and we saw similar
activity this morning, targeting Government sites as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba. Many of those
well. And, in the last few hours, we have received very gathered here now were in the General Assembly Hall
concerning reports of destructive malware placed on this morning when Foreign Minister Kuleba received
hundreds of computers and executed on at least some. enthusiastic and overwhelming applause after his
After that, we said, would come the bombs, the missiles, remarks. Since he could not be here this evening,
the soldiers and the tanks. Already, soldiers have been I would like to conclude by echoing his words. This
deployed to the occupied region of Ukraine. morning he warned us all that:

We are here tonight because we believe the rest is “no one will be able to sit out this crisis if Putin
imminent. Now, over the past few weeks, Russia has decides that he can move forward with his
called our predictions hysterical. Russia has said that aggression against Ukraine. Your Governments
we were lying. Russia has said that we were supplying and your people will face painful consequences
the world with misinformation. Russia’s diplomats have together with our Government and our people.”
even laughed in the face of the human suffering that we (A/76/PV.58)
were sounding the alarm about, but what we said would
He is right. History tells us that, and we must
happen has come to pass for all the world to see.
confront this threat head on — in the Council, in the
Let us therefore be clear. Not all parties are United Nations and in our capitals. The people of
culpable here. Calling for both sides to de-escalate Ukraine are counting on us. Let us not let them down.
only gives Russia a pass. Russia is the aggressor here.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is tantamount to an attack Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom):
on the United Nations and every Member State in the I thank the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-
Chamber tonight. General DiCarlo for their remarks.

The Security Council is charged with adjudicating We are here tonight to call on Russia to avert war.
threats to peace and security. Russia is bypassing For months, Russia has been holding a gun to Ukraine’s
it entirely and taking matters into its own hands. head. Now, President Putin’s finger is on the trigger. A
That undermines the institution and everyone who full-scale conflict in a country of 44 million people will
participates in it. The United States, Ukraine, its allies bring immense suffering, casualties on both sides and
and partners across Europe, United Nations officials devastating humanitarian consequences. The members
and every other member of the Security Council of the Security Council, the General Assembly and
have all repeatedly implored Russia to engage at the the Secretary-General have all called this week for
diplomatic table. Instead, tonight Russia has brought respect for the principles of the Charter of the United

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Nations. The world is calling for peace, but Russia is States have demonstrated their unity and redoubled
not listening. their efforts to propose a diplomatic solution.
President Macron, together with Chancellor Scholz
Make no mistake, the United Kingdom will not
compromise. We will not compromise our commitment and many partners, have done their utmost. They have
to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity or expressed their willingness to build a renewed security
our support for peace, prosperity, and the democratic architecture for Europe with Russia.
freedom of the people of Ukraine. We will not France strongly condemns the Russian President’s
compromise our commitment to the purposes and strategy of provocation to war. We hear the appeal of
principles of the United Nations Charter — above the Ukrainian people, made by President Zelenskyy
all the founding principle of the United Nations, that in his address to the Russian nation a few hours
we “live together in peace with one another as good ago: the Ukrainians want peace. They want a good
neighbours”. Russia’s actions are an assault on the neighbourly relationship with Russia, like the familial
Charter. And we will not compromise our commitment and personal relationships that unite so many Russians
to a search for peace.
and Ukrainians.
We are here for the second time this week in the
The international community came together to
Council. My Prime Minister and Foreign and Defence
make its voice heard today in the General Assembly.
Secretaries have been unsparing in their diplomatic
It is the voice of respect for the Charter of the United
efforts. But we have also announced a significant
Nations, the voice of peaceful conflict resolution and
further sanction step against Russia, with our allies — a
package targeted against some of the Russian oligarchs, the voice of diplomacy. It echoes the clear statements of
banks, and politicians supporting President Putin. And the Secretary-General.
we will ratchet up economic consequences should We call once again on the Russian Federation to
Russia continue its aggression. follow that path, to reverse its decision to recognize
There is still time for restraint, reason and the separatist entities in eastern Ukraine and to recall
de-escalation. But that time is now. its troops.

Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank We call on each member of the Council to act
the Secretary General for his engagement and for his responsibly and to demonstrate resolute support for all
appeal, which France fully supports. initiatives aimed at preventing and putting an end to
violations of the Charter of the United Nations.
As we speak, Russia is on the verge of causing
chaos in Ukraine and dealing an unjustifiable blow to If Russia confirms its choice of war, it will have to
peace and security in the heart of Europe. For several take full responsibility and pay the price for that choice.
months, the President of the Russian Federation
Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland): I would like to thank
has been patiently preparing the ground for a major
the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General
offensive against Ukraine. He has amassed soldiers
DiCarlo for their very sobering remarks at the beginning
and weapons on a scale not seen since the end of the
Second World War. He has incited violence through of the meeting.
lies and disinformation. He has even denied the very Tonight, as we gather at this table, we are staring
legitimacy of the Ukrainian State. He has undermined into the abyss of a major conflict in Europe — a conflict
the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine by recognizing that would have major global implications. Tonight,
the independence of parts of Ukrainian territory. the core principles of the United Nations in which we
In the face of that strategy of threats and believe are under attack.
destabilization, Ukraine has shown admirable restraint. In Ireland, we know the importance of the rules-
It did not give in to violence despite Russian incitement. based international order. We know the importance of
I want to reiterate our solidarity with the Ukrainian respecting the voice and integrity of all countries, big
people, which President Macron confirmed to his or small. Most fundamentally, we know the value of
Ukrainian counterpart a few hours ago.
peace. We believe that one State threatening and using
In the face of that strategy of disorder and lethal force against another to get its way or to expand
confrontation, the leaders of Europe and the United its territory is no solution.

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Ireland has a deep understanding, informed by The Security Council met two days ago and
our history, that dialogue and respect resolve disputes. discussed the situation (see S/PV.8970). We called for
Tonight, that drives our solidarity with Ukraine. the urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasized the
It is our collective responsibility — indeed, our need for sustained and focused diplomacy to address all
obligation — here at this table to maintain international issues concerning the situation.
peace and security, nothing less. That means we stand
However, we note with regret that the calls of the
up for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every
international community to give time to the recent
State Member of the United Nations.
initiatives undertaken by the parties to diffuse tensions
Let us be clear — the internationally recognized were not heeded. The situation is in danger of spiralling
borders of Ukraine have not changed. The decision into a major crisis. We express our deep concern over
of Russia to recognize as independent entities the the developments, which, if not handled carefully, may
non-Government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and well undermine the peace and security of the region.
Luhansk regions of Ukraine does not change those We call for immediate de-escalation and for
borders one iota. They did not change in 2014 and refraining from any further action that could contribute
they have not changed this week. We urge the Russian to the worsening of the situation. We call on all parties
Federation to reverse that decision immediately. to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests.
We urge the Russian Federation to refrain from I would like to underline that the legitimate security
further escalatory, unilateral actions that can serve interests of all parties should be fully taken into account.
only to further deepen the crisis. Tonight, the path of India has consistently advocated at the United
diplomacy and dialogue that we have called for for so Nations the need for the peaceful settlement of
long is perilously narrow. The principles of the Charter disputes in accordance with international law and with
of the United Nations, which we hold dear, have agreements entered into by the parties concerned.
already been breached. Those principles now risk being
further violated. I underline once again that more than 20,000 Indian
nationals, including students, are located in different
Now is the time to show courage, to pull back from parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. We are
the precipice and to return to dialogue and diplomacy. facilitating the return of all Indian nationals, including
The use of military aggression has no place in our students, as may be required.
modern world. Have we learned nothing from our
history? The United Nations rose from the ashes of two We believe that the solution lies in sustained
World Wars. The senseless destruction of that era was diplomatic dialogue between the concerned parties. In
born of the belief that military might makes right. That the meantime, we strongly emphasize the vital need for
philosophy, applied with modern weaponry, would all sides to maintain international peace and security by
unleash devastation and human suffering, affecting exercising the utmost restraint.
millions of innocent people. Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke
Tonight, we stand with the people of Ukraine. in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to thank the
Tonight, we stand with the Charter of the United Secretary-General and the Under Secretary-General for
Nations. We stand with those who, even in this dark their briefings.
hour, still have the courage and hope to bring us back This is the fourth Security Council meeting to be
from the precipice. A resort to military conquest — for held on the situation in Ukraine in less than a month. In
one State to impose its will unilaterally against another light of the recent worrying tensions, my country has
and to annex parts of its territory — has absolutely no taken a position calling for de-escalation and for efforts
place in the twenty-first century. to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.
There is still a choice — a choice to turn from the In that context, we would like to highlight the
path of war to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. It is following points.
never too late to make the right choice.
First, we reaffirm the need to engage in dialogue
Mr. Tirumurti (India): Let me begin by thanking in good faith, while intensifying diplomatic efforts
the Secretary-General for his briefing on the evolving at all levels to support opportunities for peace on the
situation in the eastern regions of Ukraine. basis of international law. We reiterate that the Minsk

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agreements still constitute a good basis for reaching a We call upon all parties to strictly respect the
peaceful solution to the crisis and maintaining regional relevant provisions of international humanitarian law,
and international security and stability. which call for the protection of civilians, including
humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure,
Secondly, we stress the importance of adhering to
and for the facilitation of safe, rapid and unhindered
the principles of international law and the Charter of
humanitarian access to those in need in Ukraine.
the United Nations, particularly in settling international
disputes through peaceful means and respecting As the Secretary-General clearly stated, the
the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the
integrity of States. Adherence to those principles and so-called independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk
compliance with the Charter of the United Nations regions are violations of the territorial integrity and
constitute a central pillar in finding a sustainable and sovereignty of Ukraine and are inconsistent with the
peaceful solution to the current crisis principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Thirdly, we reiterate that the tense situation in Let me recall the purposes and principles of the
eastern Ukraine could exacerbate the critical conditions United Nations Charter, which are now under threat.
for civilians. Furthermore, there are still obstacles to The Charter applies to all nations, including Russia.
the delivery of humanitarian assistance to some of those Today in the General Assembly (see A/76/PV.58),
in need, which existed even before the recent tensions Member States from all over the world strongly urged
arose, particularly in the areas near the contact line in the parties to pursue negotiations towards a peaceful
eastern Ukraine. resolution of the conflict, with respect for international
Any further escalation could worsen the law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
humanitarian situation for a larger number of civilians. Norway urges Russia, as a party to the Minsk
We therefore emphasize the importance of de-escalation agreements and to the conflict, to fulfil its commitments,
and a ceasefire. In that regard, we urge all parties not to abide by international law and to return to the path
to obstruct access to humanitarian aid or the movement of diplomacy. Russia has taken on a clear commitment
of civilians in conflict areas, in accordance with their to seek a peaceful settlement to this conflict and must
obligations under international law. honour it.
In conclusion, my country reiterates the We commend Ukraine’s posture of restraint
importance of de-escalation, constructive dialogue and in the face of continued provocations and
continued efforts to reach peaceful solutions that are destabilization efforts.
consistent with international law and the Charter of the
United Nations. Let me conclude by once again reiterating Norway’s
unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty
Ms. Juul (Norway): I thank the Secretary-General and territorial integrity within its internationally
and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for recognized borders.
their important statements.
Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): The
We are facing the dire prospect of a major war in situation in Ukraine is at a critical juncture. China
Europe. Norway strongly condemns the decision by has been paying close attention to the situation. In the
President Putin to send Russian troops into the Donetsk current context, all parties concerned should exercise
and Luhansk regions and the latest announcement restraint and refrain from any further escalation of
of a special military operation. Those decisions are tensions. We believe that the door to a peaceful solution
unjustified, unprovoked and irresponsible. We call on to the Ukraine issue is not fully shut, and neither should
Russia to reverse those decisions and to immediately, it be.
completely and unconditionally withdraw all its
China has repeatedly pointed out that the Ukraine
military forces from the territory of Ukraine and the
issue is set against a complex historical backdrop and
vicinity of its internationally recognized borders.
that the current situation is the result of the interplay
Our thoughts are with those who have already of many factors. China’s position on safeguarding the
suffered too much owing to this conflict and with all sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States has
those who are afraid that tomorrow will be a lot worse. been consistent. The purposes and principles of the

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Charter of the United Nations should be jointly upheld. Furthermore, the parties must allow the rapid, safe
We hope that all parties concerned will remain cool- and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to
headed and rational and commit themselves to enhancing those in need. The protection of civilians, including
dialogue and consultation to resolve the relevant issues humanitarian personnel and persons in vulnerable
properly through negotiations and address each other’s situations, must be respected unconditionally.
legitimate security concerns, in line with the principles
We redouble our calls for the parties to work
of the Charter of the United Nations.
constructively in all relevant instances, such as the
It is especially important at the moment to refrain Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group.
from fuelling tensions. China will continue to promote Negotiations must be mindful of the principles of the
peace talks in its own way and welcomes and encourages Charter of the United Nations, including the sovereignty,
all efforts aimed at a diplomatic solution. independence, unity and territorial integrity of its
Member States.
Mr. Costa Filho (Brazil): I would like to thank the
Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General, Negotiations must also, on the one hand, take
Rosemary DiCarlo, for the information they have into account the security concerns of all parties to
provided to the Security Council and the remarks they the conflict and, on the other, aim to create adequate
have made tonight. conditions for an inclusive political dialogue that must
reflect the diversity of and include representation from
The reports received about the movement of troops
all the peoples of the region.
into certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine
are cause for extreme concern. The threat or use of Brazil does not underestimate the complexity of the
force against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and current situation, but we insist on dialogue as key to
political independence of a State Member of the United achieving a lasting settlement to this conflict. Too much
Nations is unacceptable. is at stake here, above all the lives of many civilians.
We owe them all our efforts to bring this crisis to a
In the present circumstances, the Security Council
peaceful solution.
must act according to its main purpose as holder of the
primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Mr. Agyeman (Ghana): Let me begin by first of all
Nations for the maintenance of international peace thanking the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-
and security. In the exercise of that responsibility, its General DiCarlo for their significant briefings.
actions must be geared towards a reduction in tensions
Ghana is grateful to the Secretary-General for
and towards assisting parties in their negotiations. That
his clear statements on the situation in Ukraine in
is our primary role.
defence of the Charter of the United Nations, the rules-
The recourse to arms and confrontation cannot lead based international order and our collective security
to lasting peace. In that regard, we call on all parties mechanism. The developments that are taking place
to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any in Ukraine are indeed troubling. The situation has
action that may further increase tensions on the ground. implications not only for Ukraine and its immediate
The time is not for belligerent rhetoric or military neighbours but also for all our countries. Security is
threats but to engage truly in a diplomatic process. The indivisible and the insecurity of one is the insecurity
means of negotiation have not been exhausted. of all.
Immediate de-escalation is of a high order. It means, As we indicated in our statement to the Security
among other things, the complete and unconditional Council on Monday night (see S/PV.8970), Ghana
withdrawal of all military forces as an effective deeply regrets the decision of the Russian Federation
measure for the prevention and removal of threats to to naturally recognize the non-Government-controlled
peace. The parties must abide by the terms of the Minsk regions of Ukraine and to send troops into those regions.
agreements, above all by their call for a comprehensive We are also deeply concerned by the implications of
ceasefire. The Special Monitoring Mission of the those decisions. We suggest that the Russian Federation
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has turned its back on the Minsk agreements and the
can assist if granted unrestrained access in order to path of dialogue required to address any concerns that
verify, identify and report accordingly any violation of we have over the implementation of the agreements and
the ceasefire. related security concerns.

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However, we read a report this morning — the dialogue. As called for by the Preamble of the Charter
statement attributed to the President of the Russian of the United Nations, we remind all parties to practice
Federation — that his country was always open to tolerance and live together in peace with one another as
diplomacy. We urge that that avowed commitment to good neighbours,
diplomacy to which the Russian Federation alluded be
Finally, we take this opportunity to urge all
backed by present actions that de-escalate the situation
Member States to exercise restraint with regard to the
on the ground and permit an atmosphere for dialogue.
respective unsettled but accepted situations across the
We note with concern the risk that an escalation of the
globe and to uphold the collective security mechanism
situation in Ukraine holds for global peace, and we established through the Charter of the United Nations.
stress that those that choose the path of conflict rather Any differences that exist in international relations
than peace bear the consequences of their actions. must be adjusted by peaceful and legal means.
We are concerned by reports of the commencement Mr. Kimani (Kenya): I thank the Secretary-
of hybrid warfare against Ukraine, especially General for his urgent plea for peace and Under-
attempts of cyberattacks against some of its critical Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.
infrastructure. To de-escalate the situation, we urge
the Russian Federation to reconsider any intentions In this grave moment, Kenya continues to call for
to move troops into the eastern regions of Ukraine in respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and
response to the purported request by the leaders of the political independence of Ukraine, in line with the core
separatist regions for an intervention. tenets of the Charter of the United Nations. Kenya is
deeply concerned by the rapid escalation of the conflict
By its nature, peacekeeping requires the consent risks following the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk
of the parties and the impartiality of the peacekeeping as independent States by the Russian Federation and
force. The presence of the Russian troops in eastern the continued military escalation. We are concerned
Ukraine at this time would not fulfil those requirements. that there is a serious risk that a conflict enveloping
If there is a real need, the Security Council should be the whole of the Donbas region will occur, present
seized of the matter. trends holding. Such a development would instantly
We urge calm and call upon all parties to maintain lead to significant loss of life, a humanitarian crisis
the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. We are particularly and a large-scale population movement of refugees and
concerned by the high intensity of violations of the internally displaced people.
ceasefire in recent days and their consequences for the Kenya urgently calls for calm by all parties and for
civilian populations in the Donbas region. We remind their commitment to protecting civilians and civilian
all parties of the need to respect international law and objects from any actions contrary to international law
international humanitarian law and urge the parties and international humanitarian law. We continue to
to guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian believe that there is still an opportunity for diplomacy
assistance in both Government- and non-Government- to produce a solution to this dangerous crisis. The
controlled areas. We condemn any military activity required diplomatic steps should seek, in the short term,
that would deliberately target civilians and civilian for a de-escalation of the situation and the limiting of
infrastructure and remind all parties of their personal all military manoeuvres to prevent sparking a wider
responsibility that exists in international law. conflict. For that to happen, there must also be a stated
It may be begging the question but, nonetheless, commitment to negotiations between NATO and the
worth repeating: Ghana unreservedly stands by the Russian Federation in the middle and long terms.
Such a commitment will need the vision to design a
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a bona
viable security architecture for Europe that protects
fide Member of the United Nations, whose membership
the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political
of the Organization provides for its guarantees over its
independence of Ukraine and other States, while being
internationally recognized borders — the same borders
sensitive to the concerns of all the relevant parties.
with which it joined the Organization. We are aware
that the current developments in the eastern regions of We want to believe that this Chamber, in the light of
Ukraine would not lead to a strategic gain for any party, its storied past, retains the wisdom and wherewithal to
and we encourage efforts to address both immediate prevent a catastrophic war. We have confidence that the
and long-term interests through diplomacy and United Nations Charter, embraced as a whole, protects

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Ukraine and all countries, not only those with modest As we reject this attack on the fundamental
military means, but also the world’s nuclear Powers. principles of the Charter of the United Nations, we
When we consider the recent past of wars undertaken must be compelled to go further and ensure respect for
by choice and when the Charter and international law all provisions of the Charter and that the international
were breached, eventually the safety and security of all community focuses its attention, with the same
parties were tragically undermined. commitment and fervour, on all situations in all regions
of the world where the security and dignity of peoples
The membership of this Chamber was fundamentally are under threat.
shaped by the States that emerged victorious from the
Second World War. In doing so, the Charter bestowed Russia’s decision to recognize the sovereignty
on them a special responsibility that reflected the of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s
sacrifices that they had made to defeat a unique evil to Republics is heavy with consequence for the sovereignty
humankind. We believe that the leaders who designed and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It jeopardizes the
today’s multilateral system were profoundly humbled relevance and implementation of the Minsk agreements
by the catastrophic war that they had survived, so and heightens the recurring fears of imminent military
much so that they were inspired to erect the sovereign action in Ukraine.
equality of States as a central pillar of our United My country remains firmly attached to respect for
Nations. As such, we urge all Members to recall the the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each State.
ruin from war that has been experienced by most States Strict respect for those cardinal principles, enshrined in
sitting around this table. It is in this moment of peril the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive
that we can powerfully pivot to recommit to the Charter Act of the African Union, is the glue of our social
that our predecessors bequeathed us. A large part of contract, as members of the international community.
that recommitment would be aided by our listening to We remain convinced that the intense diplomatic
the Secretary-General and utilizing his good offices to activity and the various political measures adopted in
deliver according to their intended design. recent weeks will allow for dialogue to be prioritized
over confrontation and help prevent irreparable damage.
In the coming days, we hope that we will observe
a de-escalation in Donbas and that every effort will be Eight years ago, in a construct similar to that
made to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity which brings us together today, 52 States Members
and political independence of Ukraine. We further of the United Nations abstained in the voting on
hope that we will benefit from the visionary leadership General Assembly resolution 68/262, while the same
that the world needs today in committing to negotiating fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter
a lasting European security architecture that lowers that bring us together today and on which we rely were
perceptions of threat and promotes cooperation. violated. Their refusal to join the consensus, above and
beyond the pressure to which their delegations were
Mr. Biang (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank the subjected in New York, as well as in capitals at the time,
Secretary-General for his statement, as well as Under- not too long ago, translates to a lack of understanding
Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing. and, perhaps, apathy on the part of several members of
This is the fourth time in three weeks that the the international community concerning the persistence
Council is meeting to discuss the situation in Ukraine. of zones of influence we thought had ended in the post-
We meet tonight, 48 hours after our last meeting (see colonization era and following the fall of the Berlin
S/PV.8970) on the subject, because the territorial Wall. Regrettably, that harsh reality stubbornly persists
integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine have in several regions of the world, in particular in Africa,
been violated. We meet tonight because the lives of Asia, America and, today, in Europe.
countless men, women and children are at the mercy of The Council must ensure respect for the basic
the murderous violence and clashes in eastern Ukraine. principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in
That has resulted in a mass exodus that imperils their particular the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect
dignity and safety. We meet tonight because, once for the territorial integrity of States and national
again, the spectre of a war with dire consequences sovereignty. My country calls for an immediate
hangs over an entire region and we fear an imminent ceasefire and de-escalation, as well as a sense of
invasion of Ukraine. responsibility, by prioritizing the peaceful settlement

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of conflicts, in line with the United Nations Charter. The President (spoke in Russian): I shall now make
We urge the parties to protect civilians and civilian a statement in my capacity as the representative of the
infrastructure and refrain from all actions that could Russian Federation.
hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those
We have had a very intense day as we discuss the
in need.
crisis in Ukraine. I will not repeat what I said earlier
In conclusion, I reaffirm my country’s attachment today in the General Assembly (see A/76/PV.58). I can
to an international order based on rules and not on the state with regret only that, ultimately, Ukraine did not
law of survival of the fittest. We call on all parties not heed our message to Kyiv concerning the need to stop
to break the dialogue and to take every opportunity provocations against the Luhansk People’s Republic
available to restore peace in Ukraine. and the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Mrs. Buenrostro Massieu (Mexico) (spoke in It appears that our Ukrainian colleagues, whom
Spanish): My country thanks the Secretary-General for certain States have supported and egged on recently,
attending tonight’s meeting and for his appeal in the remain under the illusion that, with the blessing of
Chamber. We support that appeal. Western sponsors, they can secure a military solution
to the problem of Donbas. It is otherwise difficult to
We also thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo explain the increase in shelling and acts of sabotage on
for her briefing. the territory of the Republics.
Mexico deplores the fact that, despite the widespread Over the past 24 hours, the Organization for
call from the international community, tensions around Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring
Ukraine, instead of having diminished, have increased. Mission to Ukraine has recorded nearly 2,000 ceasefire
That is why we are forced to meet here again tonight. violations, including almost 1,500 explosions. The
Having ratified the Charter of the United Nations, residents of Donetsk and Luhansk continue to shelter
all States have committed to respecting the sovereignty, in basements. Refugees continue to flow into Russia.
political independence and territorial integrity of In a word, the nature of provocations by Ukraine’s
States. As members of the Security Council, we have armed forces has not changed. Members would prefer
the primary responsibility for the maintenance of to ignore that fact and repeat Ukraine’s fairy tales that
international peace and security. That creates the those living in Donetsk are bombing themselves.
obligation to ensure that the Security Council can It is no surprise that the ever-increasing suffering
discharge its mandate and ensure respect for the Charter of those living in Donbas does not appear to affect
of the United Nations. our Western colleagues. At today’s General Assembly
Mexico supports all statements of the Secretary- debate, they were unable to find one word of compassion
General and urges the parties to make use of the good or sympathy for the residents of Donbas. It is as if, for
offices that the Secretary-General has offered. them, those 4 million people do not exist.

The President of Mexico declared this morning I would like to recall that the principles of the
that we cannot accept the invasion of one country sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, of which
by another, as it is contrary to international law. We we are accused of violating in Ukraine, as stipulated in
recall once again that, some days ago, Russia made a the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law
forceful statement right here, before the international concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among
community, stressing that it would not invade Ukraine States, must be strictly observed with regard to
(see S/PV.8970). The recent announcement of a special “States conducting themselves in compliance with
military operation is at variance with that statement. the principle of equal rights and self-determination
of peoples … and thus possessed of a government
An invasion would constitute an act of aggression,
representing the whole people belonging to the
in line with General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX).
territory without distinction as to race, creed
We will not waver in our call for détente, diplomacy
or colour.”
and dialogue. A diplomatic solution is the only way to
avoid falling off the precipice, which would lead to a That does not describe the current Government
war in Europe. in Ukraine.

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The tragedy in Ukraine began just after the illegal support in accordance with the bilateral cooperation
Maidan coup in 2014, when instead of engaging in agreements concluded at the time as their recognition.
dialogue with the Russian-speaking people of Ukraine, That is a logical step and a consequence of the actions
the new Government unleashed guns and aviation of the Ukrainian regime.
on them. There is an abundance of information and
During the course of this meeting, Russian
evidence to that effect, but our Western colleagues
President Vladimir Putin made an address in which he
choose to ignore it.
said that he had decided to launch a special military
We tried yesterday, today and the day before operation in Donbas. We do not know all the details
yesterday to explain to members the logic behind today, but I want to briefly inform the Council of his
the decisions taken by the Russian leadership on the rationale — what clearly follows from his message is
recognition of the Luhansk People’s Republic and that the occupation of Ukraine is not part of our plans.
Donetsk People’s Republic, and emphasized the need to The purpose of the special operation is to protect
ensure peace and security in those territories. However, people who have been subjected to abuse and genocide
they did not want to listen then or today. For our Western by the Kyiv regime for eight years. To that end, we will
colleagues, the people living in the Donbas are nothing work towards the demilitarization and denazification
but a bargaining chip in a geopolitical game aimed at of Ukraine and bring to justice the perpetrators of
weakening Russia and moving the NATO bloc closer numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including
to its borders. For us, they are women, children and citizens of the Russian Federation.
elderly people who have had to hide from Ukrainian
That decision was made in accordance with Article
bombardments and provocations for eight years now.
51 of the Charter of the Charter of the United Nations,
For us, they are Ukrainians who suffer under the
the approval of the Federation Council of the Russian
oppression of the Maidan Government.
Federation and pursuant to the Treaty of Friendship
That is the difference in our approaches. Without and Mutual Assistance signed with the Donetsk and
seeing our geopolitical perspective, one will never Luhansk People’s Republics. We are receiving a great
understand us. But those for whom the decisions that deal of information on the matter, which has yet to be
I mentioned earlier were made have been forgotten and analysed. We will keep the Council updated.
disregarded during the past eight years and labelled as
I now resume my functions as President of
mere pro-Russian separatists and terrorists, and they
the Council.
are eternally grateful to us. And this is what really
matters to us. I give the floor to representative of Ukraine.
I would like to reiterate that the cause of today’s Mr. Kyslytsya (Ukraine): Before I try to deliver
crisis surrounding Ukraine is rooted in the actions parts of the statement that I brought here tonight — most
of Ukraine itself, which has been sabotaging its of which has already become useless since 10 p.m. New
commitments under the Minsk package of measures York time — I would like to cite Article 4, paragraph 1,
for years. As recently as last week, there was hope that of the Charter of the United Nations, which states:
Kyiv would come to its senses and actually implement
“Membership in the United Nations is open
what it promised to do in 2015. To that end, first and
to all other peace-loving states which accept the
foremost, direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk
obligations contained in the present Charter and,
was needed. However, yet another confirmation of
in the judgment of the Organization, are able and
Ukraine’s unwillingness to engage in such dialogue and
willing to carry out these obligations.”
take steps to grant Donbas the special status stipulated
in the Minsk agreements, and the support of Western Russia is not able to carry out any of those
sponsors for that position, ultimately convinced us that obligations. Three minutes ago, the Ambassador of the
we simply did not have the right to allow the continued Russian Federation confirmed that his President has
suffering of the residents of Donbas. declared war on my country.
As I said, Ukrainian provocations against the Therefore, before I read out parts of my statement,
people of Donbas have not only continued, but have I would like to avail myself of the presence of the
intensified. The leadership of the Luhansk and Donetsk Secretary-General and request that he distribute among
People’s Republics have asked us to provide military the members of the Security Council and the General

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Assembly the legal memos by the United Nations Legal Shall I do that right now so that you can confirm it,
Counsel, dated December 1991, and in particular the Mr. President?
legal memo dated 19 December 1991, which we had
Do not interrupt me, please.
been trying to get from the Secretariat for a very long
time and were denied. The President: Then do not ask me questions when
speaking. Please proceed.
Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Charter states,
Mr. Kyslytsya (Ukraine): Russia declared war.
“The admission of any such state to membership
It is the responsibility of this organ to stop the war.
in the United Nations will be effected by a decision
I therefore call on everyone here to do everything
of the General Assembly upon the recommendation
possible to stop the war. Or should I play the video with
of the Security Council.”
the President of Russia declaring war?
I ask the Secretary-General to kindly instruct
The President (spoke in Russian): Speaking in my
the Secretariat to distribute among the members of
capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation,
the Security Council and the General Assembly the
I was not planning to answer the questions posed
decision of the Security Council, dated December 1991,
because I have already said all I know at this point.
recommending membership of the Russian Federation
Waking Minister Lavrov at this time is not something
to the Organization, as well as the decision of the
I intend to do.
General Assembly, dated December 1991, in which the
General Assembly welcomes the Russian Federation to The representative of Ukraine referenced the
the United Nations. information that we have, which we will provide. In
addition, this is not called a war; it is called a special
It would be a miracle if the Secretariat were able to
military operation in Donbas.
produce such decisions. There is nothing in the Charter
of the United Nations about continuity as a sneaky way I now resume my functions as President of the
to get into the Organization. Council.
As I was on my way here about an hour ago, my I give the floor to the representative of Germany.
intention was to ask the Russian Ambassador to
Ms. Leendertse (Germany): We meet at the very
confirm, on the record, that the Russian troops would
moment of a military escalation the likes of which we
not start firing on Ukrainians today or go ahead with the
have not experienced in Europe for over a generation.
offensive. That became useless 48 minutes ago because,
The President of the Russian Federation announced a
about 48 minutes ago, his President declared war on
military operation on Ukrainian territory. We condemn
Ukraine. I would therefore like to ask the Ambassador
it in the strongest terms, and we call upon all members
of the Russian Federation to say on the record that,
of the Security Council and the United Nations to now
at this very moment, his troops are not shelling and
stand up for Ukraine and against a shameless breach of
bombing Ukrainian cities and are not moving into the
international law.
territory of Ukraine. He has a smartphone; he can call
Mr. Lavrov right now. We can pause to let him go out Two days ago, Russia’s decision to recognize the
and call him. self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and
Luhansk was harshly rejected in the Council (see
If he is not in a position to give an affirmative
S/PV.8970). It had already dealt a devastating blow
answer, the Russian Federation should relinquish its
to the principles of international order that the United
responsibilities as President of the Security Council
Nations stands for.
and pass those responsibilities to a legitimate member
of Security Council that respects the Charter. I ask Russia has not listened and, it turns out, was not
the members of the Security Council to convene prepared to listen. It has continued its massive military
an emergency meeting immediately to consider all build-up, and we have been observing cyberattacks
necessary draft decisions to stop the war. It is too late against Ukraine. Now the Russian military is moving
to speak about the escalation — too late. The Russian into Ukrainian territory. Through those actions and this
President has officially declared war. Should I play the unprovoked military operation, Russia is violating the
video of President Putin? core principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

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We condemn the use of force against innocent operations on Ukrainian territory. This is unprovoked
people and the violation of the sovereignty and and unjustified.
territorial integrity of Ukraine in the strongest possible
This is a grave day for Ukraine and for the
terms. We urge Russia to terminate its military action
principles of the United Nations. We and our partners
against Ukraine immediately and withdraw its troops.
have been clear that there will be consequences for
Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people. Russia’s actions. We fully support the call of the United
We will be steadfast in our support for Ukraine and States for a Security Council resolution. The Council
our support for the United Nations Charter. This must do all it can to stop the war and uphold the Charter
Russian aggression will have an unprecedented of the United Nations.
cost — politically, economically and morally.
The President (spoke in Russian): The
France, Ukraine and my country stood ready for representative of Albania has asked for the floor to
diplomacy via another meeting in the Normandy format make a further statement.
or a summit proposed by Ukraine. With our allies and
partners, we called on Russia — in vain — to seek a Mr. Hoxha (Albania): We could not end this meeting
diplomatic way forward. Now is the moment to jointly without noting that we had feared and anticipated for
and decisively speak up and defend the international days is happening. Explosions are reported in Kyiv and
order of the United Nations Charter against unilateral several other cities in Ukraine. The masks have finally
aggression. Tonight we stand with Ukraine, unwavering been taken off and tanks are in. As we speak, Russia
and determined. is implementing its plan and attacking a neighbour, to
whom it has decided to deny existence, freedom, land,
The President (spoke in Russian): The
dignity and life.
representative of the United States has asked for the
floor to make a further statement. We call on all the Members of the United Nations to
rally in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial
Mrs. Thomas-Greenfield (United States of
integrity, to stand with Ukraine and its people, to
America): In my remarks tonight, I said that we predicted
condemn firmly and unequivocally this aggression, to
Russia’s false flag attacks — the misinformation, the
stand for peace, rules and international law and to take
theatrical emergency meetings and the cyberattacks.
whatever measures they deem necessary to show the
But one piece had not come to pass. Unfortunately,
aggressor that its actions will bear consequences.
while we have been meeting in the Security Council
tonight, it appears that President Putin has ordered that Let me reiterate — Russia will be held responsible
last step. for the consequences of an unprovoked war entailing
At the exact time that we are gathered in the Council the loss of human rights, for causing unbearable
seeking peace, Putin delivered a message of war, in human pain and for opting for destruction when we
total disdain for the responsibility of the Council. This need development, for bringing death where we are
is a grave emergency. The Council will need to act, and in desperate need for hope, for choosing to become an
we will put a draft resolution on the table tomorrow. As outlaw when we need cooperation. Russia will bear
President Biden said tonight, historical shame and blame and the consequences of
invading a neighbouring country and attempting to
“Russia alone is responsible for the death and destroy European security.
destruction this attack will bring, and the United
States and its allies and partners will respond in Let us unite and make sure that it will not succeed.
a united and decisive way. The world will hold The President (spoke in Russian): The
Russia accountable. representative of France has asked for the floor to make
The President (spoke in Russian): The a further statement.
representative of the United Kingdom has asked for the Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): As
floor to make a further statement.
we convene in an emergency meeting in order to try
Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): As to avert the worst and to prevent the start of a war,
we sat in the Security Council Chamber urging Russia we have learned, alongside all gathered here, that
to step back, President Putin announced special military the President of the Russian Federation has ordered a

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special military operation in Donbas and that Russia We believe that it is now time indeed for the
will try to demilitarize Ukraine. Council to stand up, to assume its responsibility and to
speak out in the strongest possible terms about that act
Russia has opted for war. France condemns in the
of aggression.
strongest terms the start of those operations. Those
decisions, announced precisely during this Security The President (spoke in Russian): The
Council meeting, show the contempt Russia has for representative of Ukraine has asked for the floor to
international law and the United Nations. Russia must make a further statement; I give him the floor.
be held accountable before the Security Council. That
Mr. Kyslytsya (Ukraine): As I said, Sir, relinquish
is why, over the next few hours, France will join its
your duties as President of the Council; call President
partners on the Council in the preparation of a draft
Putin and call Foreign Minister Lavrov to stop
resolution to condemn the war waged by Russia.
the aggression.
We call on all members of the Council to support
I welcome the decision of some members of the
us in these tragic circumstances. We call on the Russian
Council to meet as soon as possible to consider the
Federation to fully respect international humanitarian
necessary decision that would condemn the aggression
law. We call for the protection of, and respect for, all
that the Russian Federation has launched against
civilians, especially the vulnerable — women, children
my people.
and humanitarian personnel.
There is no purgatory for war criminals; they go
The President (spoke in Russian): The
straight to hell.
representative of Ireland has asked for the floor to make
a further statement. The President (spoke in Russian): I shall now make
a further statement in my capacity as the representative
Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland): When I spoke earlier, I
of the Russian Federation.
said that the path towards diplomacy and dialogue was
perilously narrow. I did not realize, in fact, how narrow I wanted to say, by way of conclusion, that we did
and how close to the precipice we really were just over not launch an aggression against the Ukrainian people,
an hour ago. We now see that that path has been closed but against the junta that is in power in Kyiv.
by the announcement of a military aggression on the
I now resume my functions as President of
part of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. That is
the Council.
something we roundly condemn.
There are no more names inscribed on the list
We stand with the people of Ukraine tonight; with
of speakers.
every man, woman and child seeing this news — as we
did, sat here in the Chamber — whose lives are at risk. The meeting rose at 11 p.m.

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