Mister President,
Italy fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add some considerations in its national capacity.
Far from being an exercise of democracy and self-determination, the illegitimate so-called elections organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are taking place amidst widespread and systematic abuses of human rights and intimidation. It is crystal clear that they only represent an attempt to pretend democratic practice while imposing with coercion and military force Russia’s imperialistic plans.
Mister President,
let me be clear, Italy will never recognize the fabricated results of the illegitimate elections organized by Russia in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, just like Italy did not and will never recognize the illegal attempted annexation of all the Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia, and calls on all States to do the same. We see this not as a discretionary choice for States but rather as our common obligation under international law.
Mister President,
Italy condemns in the strongest possible way Russia’s continuous brutal attacks targeting civilian infrastructures and cities across Ukraine, as well as Russia’s complete disregard to the call rising from the entire membership to put an end to its full-scale, unprovoked, and illegal invasion of Ukraine. There must be no impunity for those responsible for war crimes and other atrocities. Russia will ultimately have to be accountable for the heavy damages caused by its war of aggression.
While thanking the UN Country Team for its extensive work on the ground and for having shared this past week very important insights during its visit to New York, Italy fully supports all the humanitarian actors who are working tirelessly to ensure the protection of the population and that vital assistance is within reach. Rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine must be guaranteed.
Mister President,
Italy is committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Support for Ukraine will be one of the key priorities of our G7 Presidency next year and we are determined to continue doing so as long as necessary aiming to reach a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
We will concentrate side by side on the reconstruction of Ukraine, including by organizing the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy in 2025. We will lay the foundations for a prosperous independent Ukraine within our common European family.
I thank you, Mister President.
