Joint Statement Following Russia’s Informal Arria-formula Meeting on Ukraine

Calling on Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and end its occupation of Crimea

The following is a joint statement by Albania, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Russia held its fourth informal Arria-formula meeting since December 2020 at the UN to once again promote a false narrative about Ukraine. The committee regrets Russia’s deliberate and repeated misuse of the Arria-formula process to pervert the truth and obfuscate Russia’s malign activities. Russia invited speakers sanctioned by UN member states for their violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia’s false narratives about Ukraine are part of a disinformation campaign designed to destabilize and divert the attention of the international community. The committee recognizes and appreciates the statement by the European Union, further demonstrating the international community’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

The 2014 Revolution of Dignity saw Ukrainians exercise their right to peaceful assembly, demand a prosperous, democratic, and peaceful Ukraine, and reject Moscow’s influence. Russia’s response was to brazenly violate international principles, occupying Crimea and launching the conflict in eastern Ukraine that it perpetuates to this day. Russia is a party to the conflict, not a mediator. The committee fully supports the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Ukrainian people and continue to work with the government of Ukraine to help it fulfil the demands of the Revolution of Dignity in the face of continued Russian aggression. The committee reaffirms the resolute commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders and territorial waters.

Call on Russia to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine and end its occupation of Crimea and the egregious human rights abuses it inflicts on the Crimean population. Urging Russia to fulfil its Minsk commitments, including implementing an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and withdrawing its military personnel and materiel from the territory of Ukraine.