Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Philemon Yang,
Plenary Meeting on “The situation in temporarily occupied Ukraine”
Thursday, 4 September 2025
[As Delivered]
Your Excellencies,
In February, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the General Assembly made its will very clear.
It adopted two resolutions.
Both of them reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.
Both of them called for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.
Yet, the war in Ukraine continues.
This, despite the firm and clear calls from the international community, including this esteemed General Assembly.
Your Excellencies,
There has been a rise in civilian casualties, as well as the targeting of cities and civilian infrastructure with drones and missile strikes.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis remains serious.
This is unacceptable.
Since 2022, the Assembly has adopted eight resolutions.
These resolutions have consistently reaffirmed the need for a peaceful solution – one rooted in the Charter of the United Nations and in international law.
I reiterate the Assembly’s demand for the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine’s territory and an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
As we commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter this year, we must reaffirm that peace will never be achieved through force.
Not at all.
It will come through dialogue and diplomacy, and through upholding the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
I welcome recent diplomatic efforts by the United States to foster dialogue, and to promote a process towards lasting peace through negotiations and diplomacy.
That is a great step in the interest of peace.
All dialogue must be inclusive in order to build a peace that is just, comprehensive, and sustainable.
It must also be firmly anchored in international law and the General Assembly resolutions.
Let us prove that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is within reach.
Thank you.
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Media Contacts
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