Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing on 'Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine'

Thank you, President

I thank ASG Jenča for the important update and welcome the participation of the representatives of Ukraine, Poland, Finland, Estonia, and the European Union in today’s meeting.

Guyana again registers its alarm at the recent intensification of attacks in the frontline regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson.

Amid the rising hostilities and destruction of towns and villages, we continue to call for de-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities.

These calls have been echoed by most UN Member States but continue to go unheeded.

Meanwhile, we’re seeing a doubling down on missile and drone strikes, which have destroyed schools, residential buildings, and other critical infrastructure. They have also resulted in rising casualty numbers on both sides of the frontline, taking us closer each day to a misstep or miscalculation that would have catastrophic consequences.

Such a scenario and the scale of human suffering endured in the past 2 years of conflict provide compelling reasons to find a peaceful solution.

Guyana maintains that any lasting solution to the conflict will not be achieved through military action but rather through diplomacy and good-faith negotiations conducted in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter and international law.

We call on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.  

Madam President,

The time has come for the world to make more concrete efforts to end the war. We commend the efforts of those seeking to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urge the parties to commit to a serious political and diplomatic process toward ending the conflict.

In the interim, we demand that they take all necessary measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure and to comply fully with their obligations under international law including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian and human rights law.

We also stress the need for accountability for the ongoing violations as a critical element on the path to peace.

We further call upon the Russian Federation to allow unfettered humanitarian access to the people in need of humanitarian assistance in the occupied territories and to sign an action plan with the United Nations to end and prevent grave violations against children.

In closing, Madam President, I once again reiterate Guyana’s call for lasting peace in Ukraine and pledge our continued support toward all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful and sustainable end to this war.

I Thank You.