Security Council: Influx of weapons to Ukraine must not derail aspiration for peace

Amid the influx of weapons pouring into Ukraine from abroad, all arms transfers must abide strictly by international transit, safeguard and control regimes, and “must not derail the aspiration for peace”, said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.

Speaking during the meeting, she noted that a number of governments have already provided heavy conventional armaments and munitions to Ukraine such as vehicles, air defense capabilities, large-caliber artillery systems, etc. Several States have also announced their intention to provide progressively heavier, more modern weapons. This could amplify the concerns of an escalation of the conflict. 

In accordance with international norms, any transfers of arms and ammunition should involve pre-transfer risk assessments and post-shipment controls. The official also stressed the high number of casualties, due to the war, 18,000 calculated by the OHCHR.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, stated that Western countries have found in Ukraine a pretext to significantly increase their defense budgets.

Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine’s permanent representative, demanded that Russia immediately implement the demands of the General Assembly and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s territory.

Several Council members demanded Moscow’s full and immediate withdrawal from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine alongside an urgent ceasefire.

Nicolas de Rivière, France’s ambassador, pointed out that the duty to stop the war is on the Russian Federation and an Ukranian withrawal would result in its annihilation.

It is for these reasons that France is providing assistance to Ukraine, both bilaterally and through the European Union.