Delivered by His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

I’d like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for his informative briefing, and I welcome the participation of Ukraine in this meeting.

In all situations discussed by this Council, we must be guided by the UN Charter. The UN Charter calls for the respect of the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of all states. These legal principles protect all States, large and small, the most powerful and the least. They are central to peaceful, cooperative, and productive relations between States and are essential for their security and stability. The applicable rules of international humanitarian law with regard to this week’s elections must also be respected.

Last year, an overwhelming majority of countries supported General Assembly Resolution ES-11/4. The resolution states that referenda in parts of Ukraine do not form the basis for an alteration of the status of these regions. That clear conclusion of the UN’s membership necessarily also applies to the elections held this week on the premise of the referenda results. These elections further complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Mr. President,

This Council has an essential role in prioritizing the peaceful settlement of disputes and maintaining international peace and security. De-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy are more urgent than ever. The United Arab Emirates has been consistent about the need to bring this conflict to an end and continues to offer its support to all genuine efforts to achieve this.

The ongoing hostilities have not only brought immeasurable suffering to Ukraine and its people. They also exacerbate an already difficult situation in global food security and risk pushing people further into poverty and undermining stability in countries far from the war. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was exemplary in showing what can be achieved through diplomacy, helped alleviate some of the war’s impact on global food security and we are encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, Türkiye, and others to revive it. While diplomatic solutions to the conflict remain elusive, we must do what we can to limit its impact.

The war’s toll is heavy, and it is heaviest on civilians in Ukraine. A just and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, is the only viable solution. The international community must come together around a vision that brings an end to this suffering and promotes peace and stability in Ukraine and the wider region.

Thank you, Mr. President.