Mister President,
Italy fully aligns itself with the statement that will be 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. Just like in the last years, it remains crystal clear that such elections merely serve as a charade of democratic principles masking Russia’s imposition of its aggressive and domineering ambitions through coercion and military force. Recalling the 2022 General Assembly resolution, we want to underscore once again the condemnation by the overwhelming majority of the international community against such flagrant violations of international law. Russia’s annexation attempts in Crimea, Sevastopol, and other regions of Ukraine remain illegal and unacceptable.
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: we call on all States to do the same, as our common obligation under international law.
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 catastrophic damages caused by its war of aggression.
We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for the independence of their country and express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims that continue to be killed as a result of the ongoing aggression.
Italy remains committed to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Political, military and economic support for Ukraine is one of the key priorities of our G7 Presidency and we are determined to continue doing so as long as necessary and as intensely as needed. These principles have been at the center of the G7 Leaders Meeting convened by Italy on the 24 of February to mark the day of the second anniversary of the aggression, with the participation of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
We strongly believe it is more important than ever to engage the whole international community to contribute to the solution of this devastating, senseless war. Italy remains committed to collaborating with all sincere partners to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, with a view to a future Global Peace Summit.
The ongoing aggression by Russia must cease immediately, and the responsibility for ending it lies solely with Russia itself. This can be achieved by halting its attacks and withdrawing its forces from Ukrainian territory. Russia may be banking on the exhaustion of the Ukrainian people and their global supporters who advocate for a free, independent and sovereign Ukraine. But we refuse to allow such tactics to prevail. Justice will prevail. Ukraine will endure.
I thank you, Mister President.
