During a recent United Nations General Assembly meeting, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking two years since Russia's full-scale invasion. She began by expressing gratitude to Ukraine and the President of the General Assembly for organizing this significant debate.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reflected on Ukrainian art displayed near the Security Council, which symbolizes "to protect life." She connected this symbolism to the resilience of the Ukrainian people amid Russia's invasion. "It’s been two years since Russia launched its illegal, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine," she stated.
She highlighted various atrocities committed by Russian forces during this period. "We have seen Russian forces commit unspeakable brutality and crimes against humanity," she noted, emphasizing that these actions aim to suppress Ukrainian identity through torture, deportation, and disinformation.
The ambassador stressed that the conflict is not about liberation or self-defense but an unjustified aggression. "This is not a war of liberation. This is not a war of Russians’ self-defense," she declared.
Thomas-Greenfield called for remembrance and support for Ukraine and adherence to UN principles. She praised Ukrainians' determination: "Ukrainians have shown us what it means to fight for those values every day."
She recounted stories of religious leaders detained or killed for their beliefs, journalists targeted yet persistent in raising awareness, communities stripped of their identity, and families torn apart by violence. "Through it all, the Ukrainian people have embodied the spirit... 'to protect life,'" she said.
The ambassador linked Russia's actions to global issues such as food insecurity and environmental damage while urging unity against Russian aggression: "We must continue to stand with Ukraine."
Addressing false narratives propagated by Russia, she emphasized unity over division: "Our care for one people does not in any way negate care for another."
In conclusion, Thomas-Greenfield urged continued international pressure on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and uphold sovereignty principles. She cautioned against growing desensitized to Ukrainians' suffering: "'Ukraine fatigue'... I cannot imagine explaining that we are tired."
She appealed for collective action towards peace: "To come together to push for diplomacy... so that freedom and democracy can once again bloom in Ukraine."