UNSC Meeting on developments in Ukraine

(Monday, 21 February 2022)

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

-----

Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.

2. We have been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine, including developments along the eastern border of Ukraine and the related announcement by the Russian Federation. The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of deep concern. These developments have the potential to undermine the peace and security of the region.

3. We call for restraint on all sides. The immediate priority is deescalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond.

4. We are convinced that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue. We need to give space to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties which seek to diffuse tensions. In this context, we welcome the intense efforts underway, including through the Trilateral Contact Group and under the Normandy format. We need Parties to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests. We cannot afford to have a military escalation.

5. As we have emphasised before, the Minsk Agreements provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement and we need greater efforts to find common ground to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Minsk Agreements, including key security and political aspects.

6. As we have time and again emphasised, constructive diplomacy is need of the hour to avoid scaling up of tensions.

7. The safety and security of civilians are essential. More than twenty thousand Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. The well-being of Indian nationals is of priority to us.

8. In conclusion, we strongly emphasize the vital need for all sides to maintain international peace and security by exercising the utmost restraint and intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure that a mutually amicable solution is arrived at the earliest

-----