Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, speakers in the Security Council today examined the justification and consequences of arms supplies from the West to Kyiv, with many arguing that these weapons support that country’s self-defence against the Russian Federation’s invasion and others expressing concern that such military assistance makes a peaceful settlement a distant hope. […]
In the same vein, Albania’s delegate, noting that information on arms transfers to Ukraine is open data, said that such transfers are legal and justified. Further, Article 51 of the UN Charter provides a clear legal basis for individual States to offer assistance to a country exercising its inherent right to self-defence. […]
Echoing that, Japan’s delegate said that arms supplies are driven by Ukraine’s necessity to protect itself, saying: “Rather than suggesting that support for Ukraine will imperil diplomatic efforts, Russia should immediately withdraw all its troops and military equipment from Ukraine”.
Sergio Franca Danese (Brazil), recognizing the right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter, said that the increasing flow of weapons into the conflict in Ukraine assumes that there is a military solution to this conflict. However, the massive and ongoing introduction of arms into that country can erode the potential for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, making a de-escalation of hostilities less likely. Expressing concern about the risk that transferred arms end up in the hands of non-State actors, including criminal and terrorist groups, he called on Member States to adhere to the Arms Trade Treaty and other international instruments to prevent such diversions. Innocent civilians should never be targets of military operations, he stressed, urging the parties to prevent harm to residential areas, energy and transport infrastructure, including ports and human lives. “Only a political solution, taking into account the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the legitimate security concerns of all parties, will bring a lasting peace,” he said. Läs referatet