6 marca 2025 r. Polska wzięła udział w spotkaniu plenarnym Zgromadzenia Ogólnego ONZ nt. rosyjskich wet w Rady Bezpieczeństwa ONZ (Ukraina).

Tekst wystąpienia wygłoszonego przez Michała Miarkę, Zastępcę Stałego Przedstawiciela RP przy NZ w Nowym Jorku, dostępny jest poniżej.

Mister President, Excellencies,

Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

We gather today to address the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest and longest act of aggression in Europe since the Second World War, actively supported by Belarus. This situation has been recently exacerbated by actions within the UN Security Council. While Resolution 2774 on peace in Ukraine was ultimately adopted, its potential impact was significantly undermined by Russia's decision to twice veto the proposed amendments. These amendments sought to reinforce crucial principles of sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

What makes Russia’s vetoes even more egregious is the fact that the very same amendments were adopted by a clear majority of the UN membership in the General Assembly that same day. Russia, therefore, not only undermined the Security Council, but effectively silenced the voice of the more representative international community.

As a result, Russia effectively blocked the call for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in line with the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. Such a peace can only be achieved by acknowledging the reality on the ground: that there is an aggressor and a victim. There is no space for a gray zone, nor can true peace be built on ambiguity.

Mister President,

The peace settlement must be more than a mere pause in the conflict that would allow Russia time to rearm and launch another attack. History has shown us this all too many times.

A lasting peace agreement must be built upon several fundamental principles. First, it must guarantee the protection of Ukraine's independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Second, it must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine to minimize the risk of any renewed Russian aggression. And third, full accountability must be ensured, holding both Russia as a state and the individual perpetrators responsible for all international crimes committed on Ukrainian territory or against it.

It goes without saying that negotiations cannot be conducted under the duress of bombardment, missile attacks, or nuclear blackmail.
In addition, any viable peace proposals or settlements require the assent of Ukraine. Poland aligns itself with this principle, alongside other like-minded countries.

In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to reiterate that a security architecture founded on the violation of international law will protect no one.

On Monday, a Russian colleague was kind enough to share his knowledge of Polish proverbs. Quite impressive. In the same spirit of cross-cultural exchange, I offer this Russian gem: Что посеешь, то и пожнёшь. Our decisions now, especially concerning the upholding of international law and the commitment to achieving sustainable and lasting peace, will determine the long-term stability and prosperity.
A reckless course risks a bitter harvest for generations to come.

I thank you.