Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, durante o debate do Conselho de Segurança sobre Ucrânia - 17 de fevereiro de 2022 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho in the Security Council Debate on Ukraine

17 February 2022

(check against delivery)

Mr. President,

Brazil follows with concern the situation in Eastern Ukraine. Persistent political stalemate and prolonged crisis have reached a critical point. In present circumstances, renewed and reinvigorated political resolve by all parties is crucial to address this conflict.

Achieving and maintaining peace is our collective responsibility. We appreciate the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts aiming to restore peace and stability in Ukraine and the wider region. We firmly believe a diplomatic solution must be found to the crisis, and will continue to support credible initiatives to bring a peaceful settlement to it.

We reiterate our understanding that Resolution 2202 (2015) provides the general guidelines for a peaceful solution to the situation and a permanent stability in Eastern Ukraine. Unfortunately, Resolution 2202 has not been fully implemented. Brazil urges all parties to fulfil the letter and the spirit of the Minsk Agreements.

We urge concerned parties to pursue genuine dialogue on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2202, which provided the parameters not only to address the situation in Eastern Ukraine, but also to assist diplomatic efforts to overcome the current security challenges in the region. Brazil also welcomes the resumption of talks in the Normandy format and calls for renewed commitment to find ways for a lasting peace in Eastern Ukraine.

A comprehensive ceasefire, which is the first point of the Minsk Agreements, remains an essential element in this process. Beyond that, we need further disengagement of forces and military equipment on the ground. This disengagement must allow unimpeded access of humanitarian relief to people in most desperate need. Furthermore, trust among relevant parties is crucial to strengthening dialogue and achieving a sustainable solution.

Negotiations on the parameters to grant special status to certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions must be conducted with a sense of urgency, flexibility and spirit of compromise. The implementation of the Minsk Agreements must observe full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. All parties must bear in mind the letter of the agreements.

We firmly believe that the Security Council has the utmost responsibility to avoid and condemn any attempt of a military solution to this crisis. Dialogue and negotiation are the only way forward to a lasting peace. We urge all to parties take the necessary measures to de-escalate tensions and play a constructive role in reaching a political settlement to the Ukrainian crisis, in accordance with international law, particularly the UN Charter.

I thank you.