Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the UN Security Council on February 23, 2024, marking two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She thanked Secretary-General Guterres and Guyana for organizing the meeting and acknowledged the presence of foreign ministers.
Reflecting on past warnings about Russian troop movements, Thomas-Greenfield recalled how she and others called for diplomacy before the invasion occurred on February 24, 2022. "President Putin openly chose war," she stated, emphasizing that despite denials from Russian representatives, evidence of aggression was visible.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted various deceptions by Russia, including its actions in Crimea and connections to the Wagner group. She accused President Putin of attempting to rewrite history and undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. "We cannot let that happen," she urged.
The ambassador condemned Russia's actions such as bombing grain silos and detaining political figures like Aleksey Navalny. She also mentioned war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including deportations and identity stripping of Ukrainian civilians.
Despite these challenges, Thomas-Greenfield praised Ukrainians for their resilience: "They have fought back...defended their land...and shown the world that community is a form of resistance." She called for global support to help Ukraine achieve a just peace based on sovereignty principles outlined in the UN Charter.
She asserted: "If Russia put down its weapons today, the war would end." Emphasizing accountability, she noted President Biden's announcement of new sanctions against Russia related to its actions in Ukraine and Navalny's death.
In conclusion, Thomas-Greenfield expressed hope for an end to tragic milestones like this anniversary so that Ukrainians can experience lasting peace.