Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing Agenda item “Threat to International Peace and Security”
2023/5/18
(As delivered)
Madam President,
Almost 15 months passed since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine begun. It is unfortunate to see the losses continue to arise.
Russia requested today's meeting to “discuss the issue of increasing supplies of lethal weapons to Ukraine.” Any aspect of the war needs to be put in the whole picture— this illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine was initiated by Russia in the first place. In this larger context, concerns about potential ramifications of the influx of weapons must be taken into account, and we must not misjudge their fundamental cause.
Russia has repeatedly attempted to divert public attention from its own violations of the UN Charter, but we must not confuse victims with perpetrators.
We underscore Ukraine’s right of self-defense to defend itself against aggression. The international community is lending its support to Ukraine in order to stop Russia’s aggression and maintain international peace and security. On the contrary, no nation should support the aggression.
In this context, we also strongly condemn the transfer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from Iran to Russia. We would support efforts by the UN Secretariat to investigate the potential usage of Iranian drones by Russia in its war against Ukraine, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
Madam President,
For as long as Russia continues to evade accountability for its aggression, the international community will repeat the same condemnation. Japan reiterates our condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms. Russia must withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from Ukraine and respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.