Today, October 24, marks the International Day of the United Nations, one of the founding countries of which is Ukraine. Currently, the organization is actively providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, coordinating reconstruction and supporting refugees. At the same time, it was unable to stop the occupation of Crimea, and during the 2022 invasion, the Security Council remained paralyzed due to russia's veto power.
Ukrainian News Agency will tell you about this.
As part of the Soviet Union, in 1945 Ukraine became one of the founding members of the UN. The Ukrainian SSR signed the UN Charter on June 26 in San Francisco, and on October 24, the day the document entered into force, it became a full member of the organization.
Ukraine has been actively involved in its activities since the first years of the organization's existence - in particular, in the formation of the Commission on Human Rights, in the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in initiatives on decolonization and disarmament. After declaring independence on August 24, 1991, Ukraine automatically continued its membership in the UN as a sovereign state.
During its participation in the UN, Ukraine was elected four times as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. During its last membership, the Ukrainian delegation raised the issue of russian aggression and security in the Black Sea region. In 2015, Ukraine's candidacy was supported by 177 states as a demonstration of trust in Ukrainian diplomacy.
Annexation of Crimea
However, a year earlier, the UN was unable to stop russia when it occupied Crimea. The UN Security Council did not adopt a single decision against Moscow, because russia has the right of veto - and it blocked all resolutions itself. The General Assembly adopted only a resolution condemning the annexation, but it is declarative, without legal force.
War in Donbas
During 2014-2021, the UN was unable to achieve major steps to force russia to withdraw its troops - all initiatives remained at the level of statements and humanitarian missions. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission was working, but its reports did not change the situation and were unable to bring the perpetrators to justice. In addition, during the shelling and occupation of territories, the missions did not have access to many areas of Donbas.
Full-scale invasion
At the time of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the UN Security Council could not adopt real decisions against the aggression due to the russian veto. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "deep concern" and called for peace - but no more.
However, the UN, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, participated in the evacuation of civilians from Azovstal. But the operation began when hundreds of people had already died. After leaving Azovstal, many of the Azov soldiers were captured or executed.
Grain Initiative
It is worth mentioning that the UN helped coordinate the Grain Initiative (to preserve Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea), but it was unable to force russia to adhere to the agreements. When Moscow withdrew from the agreement, the UN called for a "return to dialogue."
Russia's crimes in Ukraine
Ukraine has repeatedly demanded the creation of a tribunal for the crime of russian aggression, but the UN has not done so. The investigation was launched, in particular, by the International Criminal Court, which is not subordinate to the UN. Thus, the UN has failed to fulfill its key function - ensuring international responsibility.
Support for Ukraine
It should be noted that after the beginning of the russian aggression in 2014, Ukraine became one of the main issues on the UN agenda. On March 27, 2014, the General Assembly adopted a resolution that confirmed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea - it was supported by 100 states.
And after the full-scale russian invasion in February 2022, the General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions condemning the aggression and demanding the withdrawal of russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. In particular, in February 2023, 141 countries supported the resolution "Principles of the UN Charter Underlying a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace in Ukraine".
The UN has organized large-scale humanitarian assistance. The Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine receives almost 17% of total contributions to UN humanitarian funds and finances projects aimed at providing assistance to the most vulnerable segments of the population.
In addition, after the de-occupation of territories, the UN promotes the restoration of critical infrastructure, such as water supply, energy and housing. The organization provides financial assistance, temporary housing, legal services and psychosocial support to IDPs.
Since the beginning of the war, more than 5.7 million Ukrainians have become refugees, 90% of whom are in European countries. The UN helps them with housing, food, medical care and integration into new communities.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in September, at the UN General Assembly, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy began his address to the UN General Assembly with a direct request for increased military assistance.
US President Donald Trump stated at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly that the United Nations is currently not living up to its purpose.
Russia has repeatedly attacked humanitarian In particular, on October 14, the military of the aggressor country of the russian federation attacked UN OCHA trucks in the Kherson Region.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.