Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine - September 7th, 2022

Mr. President,

Two weeks ago, this Council met to discuss the situation in Ukraine after six months of conflict. The report by USG Rosemary DiCarlo presented us with a bleak scenario: tens of thousands of unconfirmed deaths, and millions of refugees and internally displaced persons. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and continued hostilities during winter could have dire consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, women and children.

There are signs of an intensification of hostilities in various parts of Ukrainian territory, such as the Kherson region, where fighting has increased. This worrying trend ignores the risks to the safety of heavily populated areas and to the integrity of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Even more disheartening is the fact that there are no signs of any engagement in peace negotiations. In recent weeks, we have heard that the two sides are preparing for a long-term conflict, with the mobilization of additional troops and resources. This decision will have serious impacts on both societies and their economies, with unforeseeable consequences for the next generations and rippling effects for the world at large.

Mr. President,

We have in mind the words of the distinguished Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates at the session held on the 24th: there is value in the Council’s meetings on Ukraine when they are complemented by action. Action, in this case, should mean opening the path to a negotiated solution that ends the suffering of millions and eliminates the risks to food and energy security in other countries, especially in the developing world.

Brazil strongly condemns the use of force to resolve disputes between states. We reiterate our call for the immediate cessation of hostilities. We defend the territorial integrity of all states and the respect of the security concerns of all parties.

Isolating any of the parties and closing the doors to dialogue will not bring solutions to the conflict. The grain and fertilizer agreements concluded in Istanbul in July and the arrival of IAEA inspectors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant last week show that realistic and pragmatic negotiations and mutual concessions are the best way to achieve peace. Respect for international law and for the UN charter must guide the actions of states and the practice of this Council.

Mr. President,

We urge the parties to refrain from escalating the conflict and to cease hostilities. We add our voice to that of other Council members in favour of a political solution, and call on the leaders of both countries to prioritize the well-being of their populations.

Thank you.