Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Chief Fung, for your briefing.
The Russian representative has again claimed Western assistance to Ukraine provided for its self-defense is prolonging a war Russia started.
"We all heard the Russian representative say in this Council yesterday the only peace discussion it would have was of Ukraine’s 'unconditional surrender.'"
Russia is committing aggression against a sovereign UN Member State and continues to attack Ukraine in pursuit of territorial conquest. It has procured ballistic missile launchers and dozens of ballistic missiles from the DPRK in violation of Security Council resolutions.
"Since last December, Russian forces have used DPRK-supplied ballistic missiles to strike Ukraine nearly a dozen times, firing upwards of 40 DPRK ballistic missiles."
"Since last September, Russia has procured over 11,000 shipping containers of munitions and munitions-related materiel from the DPRK, in violation of the UN arms embargo on the DPRK."
By using its veto against the DPRK Panel of Experts, Russia is attempting to hide its procurement activities with the DPRK. This undermines efforts for maintaining international peace and security.
Russia also continues to deepen its military relationship with Iran by acquiring armed Iranian UAVs targeting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. There are concerns about reports that Russia seeks to procure ballistic missiles from Iran.
"We are also closely reviewing reports Russian forces are using riot control agents and chemical weapons to drive Ukrainian troops into the line of fire."
The international community condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine. "As I’ve said before, Russia can end this war today."
"The United States remains committed to providing Ukraine what it needs to defend itself."
"We once again call for Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine’s territory within its internationally recognized borders and stop its unlawful procurement of DPRK-origin materiel."
And with that I thank you, Madam President.