"The War Against Ukraine Concerns the Whole World" - EU's High Representative

• Financial

In an emergency session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on Ukraine, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter.

One Year Since Russia's Illegal Invasion of Ukraine

Borrell began his statement by marking the one-year anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which he described as "a clear-cut case of aggression by a permanent member of the Security Council [of the United Nations].

And this is Russia, everybody knows. A blatant violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter." He stressed that the world needs peace in Ukraine that is grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, and that the resolution presented by Ukraine is about reiterating support for Ukraine and setting out the principles for peace.

The War Against Ukraine is Not Just a European Issue

Borrell emphasized that the war against Ukraine is not just a European issue, but concerns the whole world. He said, "This illegal war concerns everyone: the North, the South, the East, the West.

The whole world." He also pointed out that Russia is attacking the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in Ukraine, and that if such actions are not condemned and stopped, it will increase the risk for other countries to face similar aggression.

He emphasized that no one can feel safe in a world where the illegal use of force is normalized.

Article 51 of the UN Charter and Ukraine's Right to Defend Itself

Borrell also referred to Article 51 of the UN Charter, which states that Ukraine, like any other member of the UN, has the inalienable right to defend itself.

He said, "Ukraine has the right to defend itself and protect its people from the daily spelling carried out by the Russian army." He added that the EU will continue to provide Ukraine with support to defend its population and will work to hold Russia accountable for its actions and war crimes.

Supporting Ukraine's Desire for a Just Peace

Borrell concluded by stating that the EU continues to support Ukraine's desire for a just peace. He said, "The first obvious step for peace is for Russia to stop its attacks and [it] must end all hostilities and withdraw its forces and military equipment from Ukrainian soil.

And it must do it immediately, completely and unconditionally." He added that the EU will continue to provide humanitarian and financial assistance and will work to make Russia accountable for its actions and war crimes. He emphasized that there can be no lasting peace without accountability.