Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on the Situation in Ukraine - October 13th, 2023

I thank Mr. Ebo for his important briefing and Mr. Nixon for sharing his views today. I welcome the delegation of Ukraine to this meeting.

Our position is well known, and it has not changed since the last Council meeting on the issue, in September (see S/PV.9424). Brazil supports the inherent right of all Member States to self-defence in case of an armed conflict, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter. This obviously applies to Ukraine.

However, massive transfers of arms and munitions to conflict zones pose serious, long-standing risks to peace and security. The introduction of increasingly more destructive weapons into this conflict and the inadmissible threat of use of nuclear weapons seriously undermine peace and security well beyond the battlefield and make peace even more elusive. Moreover, extensive mining of land, including near populated areas, poses an enduring threat for civilians and impacts on the use of agricultural land. Years after the suspension of hostilities, weapons used in conflicts may still affect civilians or be diverted to criminal or terrorist organizations, becoming a longterm factor of instability.

We believe that these considerations should encourage a reflection on the current dynamics of the war in Ukraine. The continuation of the conflict comes at a heavy price, paid mostly by the civilian population — today or for years to come. It is our responsibility as Council members to encourage de-escalation and the establishment of negotiations, either directly between the parties or through the good offices of neutral third parties or international institutions.

Brazil supports efforts to prevent diversion of arms and munitions and to increase transparency and accountability of international transfers. We urge all Member States to adhere to the Arms Trade Treaty, uphold the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, as well as to refrain from any transactions that may constitute a violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Thank you.