Ukraine welcomes the adoption of the UNGA resolution “Global Solidarity to Combat COVID-19” and, as one of the co-sponsors, expresses its gratitude to Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Ghana, Indonesia, and Singapore for the initiative to submit the draft, as well as to all 186 co-sponsors for their support.

The unprecedented level of participation of states in the adoption of the resolution sends a clear message of unity and testifies to the readiness of the UN to take a coordinating role in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

We commend the leadership of the President of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, in organizing the work of the UNGA at this difficult juncture.

Ukraine endorses the call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address the issue of health emergencies and focus on social impact and economic response. In this context, the President of Ukraine expressed his support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General during their telephone conversation on April 2.

Amid the global crisis, when the world especially needs unity, the Russian Federation decided to take advantage of the situation to advance its own narrow political interests. Ignoring the lack of support of the vast majority of the UN member states, Russia submitted an alternative draft resolution. Its main message, despite the inclusion of COVID-19 in its title, fully fits into the logic of Russia’s previous calls to lift restrictive measures introduced in response to the armed aggression committed by Russia – the worst international crime.

The Russian Federation audaciously ignores the UN Secretary-General's call for a global ceasefire by continuing military provocations and blocking the access of international organizations to the occupied territories of Ukraine amid the spread of COVID-19. The draft resolution tabled by the Russian Federation was another attempt to create a propaganda cover for its aggressive foreign policy.

Ukraine opposes the attempts of the Russian Federation to exploit the dire humanitarian situation in order to escape international legal responsibility. These manipulations sabotage the important work conducted by the UN Secretary-General and the United Nations to enhance much-needed cooperation among all countries to curb COVID-19 and mitigate its effects.

We call on all countries to demonstrate unity in the fight against the unprecedented pandemic. Only joint efforts, not slogans or declarations, can overcome the exceptional challenges the humanity is facing today.