Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly to mark the observance of International Day against Nuclear Tests

Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly to mark the observance of International Day against Nuclear Tests

Mr President,

While fully aligning with the statement of the European Union delivered earlier today, I would like to make some national comments on the topic.

Ukraine supported the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution 64/35 having declared 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. We are convinced that every effort should be made to end nuclear tests in order to achieve the global goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world. Entry into force of the CTBT without further delay will be a major contribution to this process.

As non-permanent Member of the UN Security Council, Ukraine strongly condemns the DPRK continuous illegal activities in the pursuit of developing nuclear missile capabilities. Recognizing importance of collective efforts in curbing nuclear ambitions of Pyongyang, we call upon all UN member States to fully implement sanctions regime imposed by respective UN Security Council resolutions.

Disrespect for international law and attempts to undermine or change the established world order are becoming more systematic nowadays. The North-Korean actions are a testament to this trend, but not the only one.

As a country who voluntary renounced its nuclear arsenal, Ukraine continues to face the military aggression from one nuclear state. The brutal violation of the international obligations, including under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, by the Russian Federation, who put its signature under the assurances of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, contravenes the whole UN based security system created after World War II.

Let me remind you, that the first obligation of three nuclear states (US, UK and Russia) under the Budapest Memorandum is “to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine”. The next paragraph obliged the three mentioned states, and I quote, “to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, and that none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine” (end of quote).

Taking into account the aforementioned, we would like to stress again that full compliance with existing international obligations by all States is the main precondition of achieving the world free of nuclear weapons.

I thank you.