Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, on Ukraine - February 24th, 2023

One year after the start of the conflict, we see an armed stalemate on the ground, triumphalist rhetoric on both sides and prospects of new military offensives. We should put aside illusions about a military solution to this crisis. We need to discuss the return of the parties to the negotiating table.

President Lula has made Brazil's position clear, faithful to our diplomatic tradition. We condemn the Russian invasion and the territorial violation of a sovereign state, Ukraine.

But a year later, we understand that time has come to also give voice to those who want to speak in ways to build peace.

Violence, which affects the most vulnerable, should stop with no preconditions. International humanitarian law and its principles are not optional. They are mandatory at all times and under all circumstances. Respecting and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law is essential to the protection of civilians.

Mr. President,

Brazil does not come with the intention of presenting a ready-made solution.

We need to explore paths that seek to create conditions for the end of the conflict. We are convinced that countries like Brazil, which are not directly involved in the conflict, have a constructive role to play in fostering dialogue.

We acted in this sense during discussions on the most recent resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted yesterday. Member States called on the parties for the cessation of hostilities, an expression that appears for the first time, at the suggestion of Brazil.

The resolution also reaffirmed the resolute commitment of the international community to uphold the core principles of the UN charter and international law, while underscoring the need to reach peace. We also encouraged careful consideration of the causes of conflict so that mutual resentments and suspicions do not manifest in future violence.

We should never lose sight of the human drama. Nor ignore the global economic impact of the war, in particular with regard to rising input costs for agricultural and food production.

Mr. President,

Brazil will continue to persevere on this path. We are convinced there is enough willingness among Member States for avoiding, in the future, new anniversaries on the duration of the war, such as the sad mark of one year completed today.

I thank you.