Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing, Agenda Item "Threats to International Peace and Security"

Mr. President,

I thank ASG Miroslav Jenca() and WFP Representative & Country Director in Ukraine Matthew Hollingworth for their briefings.

More than 600 days have passed since the aggression against Ukraine began. Today, we once again pay our utmost respects to the Ukrainian people who are defending their country.

There are numerous conflicts around the world. There is no silver bullet for identifying all the causes and effects of each one.

However, this war of aggression is very different from other conflicts ― its causes could not be clearer. This unprovoked war of aggression was started by Russia. And Ukraine is fighting against it in accordance with the UN Charter to protect its own people, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

There is a plethora of credible information from multiple sources, as well as ample evidence on the ground, that the damage caused by Russia ―the disastrous humanitarian situation caused by Russia― is enormous. Russia continues to attack critical infrastructure, including power plants, causing the Ukrainian people to suffer as they enter their second winter since the beginning of the war.

It has also withdrawn from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and destroyed port facilities that deliver food abroad, affecting not only Ukraine but the entire world.
 
Mr. President,

We reaffirm our commitment to address the growing needs of vulnerable countries and populations impacted by Russia’s aggression.

We welcome steps taken by Ukraine to strengthen export routes free of Russian control. We continue to fully support the export of Ukrainian agriproducts, including through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, Danube ports, and the humanitarian maritime corridor.

Mr. President,

We remain steadfast in upholding and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law, respecting the UN Charter.

In this regard, we reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the peacefully established status of territories by force or coercion anywhere in the world. Such attempts undermine the rule of law, which protects all nations, especially the vulnerable, as well as global security and human dignity.

It is unacceptable for an aggressor to profit from violating the UN Charter. A just and lasting peace cannot be realized without the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Russia’s troops and military equipment from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

There must be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. Justice must be done, and those who are responsible for the undeniable atrocities that have taken place must be held accountable.
 
Mr. President,

Our commitment to supporting Ukraine will never waver. We have always been with Ukraine, and will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I thank you.