Secretary-General: Russian Federation’s Recognition of ‘Independent’ Donetsk, Luhansk Violate Ukraine’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

We meet in the face of the most serious global peace and security crisis in recent years -- and certainly in my time as Secretary-General.  Our world is facing a moment of peril.  I truly hoped it would not come.

The latest developments regarding Ukraine are a cause of grave concern.  They include reports of increased ceasefire violations across the contact line and the real risk of further escalation on the ground.  My thoughts are with all those who have already suffered so much death, destruction and displacement.

The history of this conflict is complex, with at least two permanently opposing narratives.  I know that their authors will never agree on what happened in the past.  But in the present situation one thing is clear:  the decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the so-called “independence” of Donetsk and Luhansk regions -- and the follow-up -- are violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

And here in this hallowed Hall, I must emphasize that this action is also inconsistent with a landmark resolution adopted by the General Assembly more than half a century ago.  I refer to the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.  This so-called “Friendly Relations Declaration” was adopted during the General Assembly session marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.

The Friendly Relations Declaration -- which has been cited repeatedly by the International Court of Justice as representing international law -- sets out several vital principles that are highly relevant to today’s session.  In particular, I would note the principle of sovereign equality of States, and the affirmation that “the territorial integrity and political independence of the State are inviolable”.  Other resolutions of the General Assembly are also fully behind the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.

The Minsk agreements -- approved by the Security Council and that I strongly supported from the beginning -- were surviving in an intensive care unit thanks to a number of life-support devices.  But now those devices have been disconnected.  We must also be concerned about preserving the integrity of peacekeeping.  The United Nations has a long and recognized experience deploying peacekeeping operations -- which only take place with the consent of the host country.

It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation.  There is no place for actions and statements that would take this dangerous situation over the abyss.  It is time to establish a ceasefire and return to the path of dialogue and negotiations to save the people in Ukraine and beyond from the scourge of war.  I urge all parties to make full use of Article 33 of the Charter and its diverse instruments of pacific settlement of disputes.  The United Nations system is continuing to support the people in Ukraine through our human rights and humanitarian work.

Our Human Rights Monitoring Mission has seven offices throughout the country -- on both sides of the contact line -- documenting civilian casualties, monitoring freedom of movement and reporting on allegations of human rights violations.  Our humanitarian operations are independent of whoever might control the territory where people are living.

Even before this latest escalation, 2 million people in Ukraine needed humanitarian assistance.  Since the start of 2022 alone, we and our partners have delivered 140 metric tons of life-saving aid across the contact line.  Here again, our actions are based entirely on humanitarian principles endorsed by the General Assembly.

United Nations humanitarian assistance is guided by four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.  And these principles are central to establishing and maintaining access to affected people, including those in the context of an armed conflict.  The General Assembly has repeatedly underscored the importance of promoting and respecting these principles within the framework of humanitarian assistance.  Our humanitarian agencies are committing to staying and delivering to support the people in Ukraine and are ready to adjust and reprioritize their operations as necessary.

As we sadly know all too well, in conflict, civilians, including women and children, always suffer first and suffer most.  If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years.  I urge all sides to allow safe and unimpeded access by humanitarian agencies, including in non-government controlled areas of eastern Ukraine.  All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

I am fully committed to support all efforts to resolve this crisis without further bloodshed.  My good offices remain available.  We cannot and will not relent in the search for a peaceful solution.

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                 Secretary-General's remarks at Security Council 

I want to reaffirm what I expressed this morning in the meeting in the General Assembly, but of course it would not make any sense to bother you reading again the same text that I am sure you are all aware of.  

In between, during the day, a number of events took place, and with your permission, Mr. President, I would like to ask Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo to be able to brief you on those events.  

But simultaneously, today was full of rumours and indications that an offensive against Ukraine was imminent. In the recent past, there were several situations with similar indications, similar rumours. And I never believed in them, convinced that nothing serious would happen.  I was wrong.  And I would like not to be wrong again today.  

So, if indeed an operation is being prepared, I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my heart: President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died. 

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                          Secretary-General’s Press Encounter

                           following the Security Council meeting

                             New York, 23 February 2022 

OPENING REMARKS:

Secretary-General: This is the saddest moment in my tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations. I started this meeting of the Security Council addressing President Putin and telling him from the bottom of my heart: Stop your troops from an offensive against Ukraine, give peace a chance because too many people have died.  

During the meeting President Putin announced a ‘special military operation’ in the Donbas and required the Ukrainian troops to lay down their arms. So, in the present circumstances I must change my appeal.   

I must say, President Putin: In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia. In the name of humanity do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century, with consequences not only devastating for Ukraine, not only tragic for the Russian Federation, but with an impact we cannot even foresee in relation to the consequences for the global economy in a moment when we are emerging from the COVID [pandemic] and so many developing countries absolutely need to have space for the recovery which would be very, very difficult, with the high prices of oil, with the end of exports of wheat from Ukraine, and with the rising interest rates caused by instability in international markets. 

This conflict must stop - now. Thank you very much.  

QUESTION & ANSWER:

Question:  Mr. Secretary-General. You have just talked about consequences. I wonder if you could spell out more what you think the consequences will be for Russia, and for Ukraine and its people.  

Secretary-General: Well, it is clear that military action will be happening in the territory of Ukraine, and obviously if they lead to a generalized war, it is difficult to forecast how dramatic it will be in the number of people who will die, in the number of people who will be displaced, in the number of people who will lose hope in relation to the future. It is also clear that the consequences for the Russian Federation will be very meaningful. It is not for me to comment on sanctions that will be implemented but it is clear there will be also consequences.   

What is clear for me is that this war doesn’t make any sense. It violates the principles of the Charter. And it will cause, if it doesn’t stop, a level of suffering Europe has not known since, at least, the Balkan crisis.  

Question: Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General. Is there anything the UN can do to get Russia back to the bargaining table at this point?    

Secretary-General: We can of course, in my case, appeal. The Security Council is the body that has powers given by the Charter to address this situation.    

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