August 30, 2024
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Mr. Ebo for his briefing.
Russia claims to be concerned about the risk of escalation in Ukraine. And yet, it holds all the cards to prevent such a scenario : all it needs to do is put an end to its aggression and withdraw from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.
By multiplying these meetings, Russia would have us believe that supporting Ukraine is fuelling escalation. This deceives no one. Support from the international community annoys Russia because it stands in the way of its schemes. It prevents it from annexing the territory of a sovereign state, forcibly altering its borders in violation of the United Nations Charter, dictating its foreign and defense policy, striking at civilian infrastructures, and depriving a population of water, gas and electricity.
Clearly, Russia only understands the balance of power. Last Tuesday, its representative referred to the so-called “peace proposal” formulated by President Putin last June. And yet this proposal sets as a condition for talks Ukraine’s total surrender, giving up its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
France will continue to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to protect its airspace, land and population, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter. Russia is attacking Ukraine in the border regions from military sites behind the Russian border. The Ukrainians must be able to adapt to strike the sites from which Russia is conducting its aggression. It needs to be able to neutralize military targets directly involved in its operations. This is Ukraine’s exercise of its right to self-defense, which is not limited to Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine’s fight to defend the purposes and principles of the Charter is supported by the overwhelming majority of United Nations member states. Russia, on the other hand, obtains its weapons, ballistic missiles and ammunition from North Korea, unscrupulously mortgaging the international non-proliferation regime, the guarantor of our collective security. To cover up its violations of Council resolutions, Russia has not hesitated to get rid of a troublesome witness, the 1718 Committee of Experts, thereby depriving UN member states of an essential source of information on the implementation of sanctions against North Korea.
Russia has chosen to acquire armed drones from Iran, in violation of resolution 2231. If Iran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, we are prepared to respond rapidly and in a coordinated manner, including through new, large-scale measures. France urges all states to refrain from supplying Russia with dual-use assets and components to fuel its war of aggression.
There is no other alternative to bring Russia to cease its war than to give resolute military support to Ukraine. The surrender of the aggressor cannot be a condition for peace negotiations. In any case, it will never be the basis for a just and lasting peace, respectful of international law, which is the only way to restore lasting regional security and stability.
Thank you.