Remarks at the UN General Assembly Stakeout Following the Adoption of a Resolution on a Comprehensive Peace in Ukraine
Good afternoon, everyone. I think you’ve had a long list of people here already, so let me just start by thanking all of you.
Today’s vote was really historic. You saw one year after Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, full-scale invasion into Ukraine where the countries of the world stand. We showed where we stand – with Ukraine.
The vote was clear. A hundred forty-one countries voted to uplift and uphold the UN Charter. Only seven countries voted against it.
A hundred forty-one countries voted for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.
A hundred forty-one countries affirmed that such a peace must be rooted in the UN Charter’s most fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inherent right of self-defense.
A hundred forty-one countries – 141 countries – recommitted to tackling the threats to energy, finance, the environment, food insecurity, nuclear security that Russia’s war has unleashed upon the world.
And as stated in Ukraine’s resolution, these 141 countries reiterated a clear demand to Russia: withdraw and – I’m sorry: Withdraw immediately, completely, and unconditionally from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, send your troops home, and end this war.
When I was in Ukraine, I saw so much etched into the faces of the Ukrainian people. In President Zelenskyy’s face, I saw resolve. In the faces of victims and civilians, I saw pain and sorrow. And in the faces of Ukraine’s children, I saw hope.
Today we refuse to give up on hope. We refuse to give up on the potential for diplomacy, the power of dialogue, and the urgency of peace. And tomorrow we will continue to push for just that – a durable peace.
Secretary Blinken will return to the Security Council to outline the Council’s unique responsibilities to uphold the UN Charter as Russia’s horrific war enters its second year, and he will reaffirm America’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and defending the UN Charter’s most fundamental principles. As President Biden said when he was in Kyiv this week, “We stand together. We stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Thank you very much.
Original source can be found here.
