On November 13, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko, as part of continuing work with international partners to support Ukraine's candidacy for the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), held working meetings with: the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Ukraine; the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Ukraine; representatives of the embassies of the Republic of India and the Republic of Indonesia in Ukraine; and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Ukraine.

During the meetings, the parties discussed the current activities of the OPCW and the need for joint international efforts to hold the Russian Federation accountable for systematic violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

The Deputy Minister informed those present about Ukraine’s nomination for the OPCW Executive Council for the 2026–2028 term from the Eastern European Group and emphasized the importance of supporting the agreed "trio" of states – Ukraine, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Unlike the Russian Federation, these states are committed to the common goal of ensuring the effective, transparent, principled, and impartial operation of the OPCW.

The Ukrainian diplomat underlined that support from the Global South countries is crucial for preserving the integrity and universality of the CWC. The active and consistent position of these states is important to ensure that the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons remains inviolable, and international law remains fair and non-discriminatory.

Olexandr Mischenko noted that it is precisely the joint, coordinated position of all regions of the world, particularly the countries of the Global South, that guarantees balanced governance of the OPCW and prevents politicization of its activities.

The Russian Federation, which systematically and grossly violates the provisions of the CWC, has neither the moral nor political right to claim a seat on the OPCW Executive Council. Its actions – from the use of dangerous chemical substances during armed aggression against Ukraine to attempts at disinformation and pressure on international institutions – contradict the very principles on which the CWC is based. Thus, Russia’s presence in the governing body of the OPCW would not only undermine trust in the entire chemical weapons ban regime but also create a dangerous precedent in which a violator state gains influence over decisions aimed at ensuring compliance with international law.

During the meetings, the parties also discussed ways to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the countries of the Global South, particularly in the context of joint contributions to strengthening international peace, security, and the rule of law. Additionally, they discussed priority issues for bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of security and defense.