"Russia, withdraw from Ukraine!"

The joint statement was published on October 12 by Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a meeting of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee, Censor.NET reported, citing a publication by Ukraine’s UN mission.

The signatories include European countries, as well as South Korea, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The participants stressed the need to end Russian aggression and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

“Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, and poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to international peace and security, the rules-based international order, and the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture,” the statement reads.

Territorial acquisition through force cannot be lawful

In their joint statement, the countries condemned Russia’s attempts to consolidate the gains made through its aggression and stressed that changing national borders by force is unacceptable.

“No territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force can be recognized as lawful,” the document states, as quoted by Andrii Melnyk.

The countries also condemned the Kremlin’s nuclear threats, which, in their view, Russia uses as a means of pressuring Ukraine and the international community.

The signatories separately criticized the military assistance provided to Moscow by Belarus, Iran and North Korea, stressing that it contributes to the continuation of Russian aggression.

Call on Russia to withdraw from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Another key issue addressed in the joint statement was the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The signatory countries called on Russia to relinquish control of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and cease activities that pose a threat to nuclear safety.

Russia’s continued occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains one of the key security concerns for Ukraine and Europe.

Ukraine insists on ending Russian aggression

The joint statement by 47 countries and the EU is part of Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts to ensure that Russia’s war remains high on the international agenda.

Kyiv insists on the need for a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. In their statement, the countries also reaffirmed their principled position that legitimizing territorial acquisitions achieved by force is unacceptable.