Minister O’Callaghan delivers statement on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine at UN General Assembly

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan has today (Monday) attended a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

At the meeting, Minister O’Callaghan delivered Ireland’s national statement in advance of a vote on a draft resolution on a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the United Nations Charter. The draft resolution was co-sponsored by Ireland and the EU 27.

Speaking at the General Assembly, Minister O’Callaghan underlined the Russia’s role in causing the war:

Emphasising the continuing importance of multilateralism globally, Minister O’Callaghan stated:

Outlining Ireland’s vision for peace, Minister O’Callaghan re-stated Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity:

Speaking of the Ukrainian people, Minister O’Callaghan added:

Ireland’s statement in full:

Third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

UNHQ, New York, 24 February 2025

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan

National Statement – UN General Assembly

President, Today, we gather in this hall, on a sombre occasion. To mark three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To reaffirm our steadfast commitment to international law. And to the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity outlined in the UN Charter.

Russia’s full-scale invasion was an act of unprovoked and unjustified aggression against a peaceful neighbour. The brutality of Russia’s actions has caused immense suffering and loss for the people of Ukraine. It has disrupted the global supply of food, grain, energy and other vital commodities. It has undermined the foundations of the international rules based system on which the United Nations is based. The principle that borders cannot be changed by force protects us all.

And yet, a Permanent Member of the Security Council has cast this vital principle aside. This should concern us all. It must surely not be rewarded.

The cause of Ukraine is not a case of North and South or East and West - it is the cause of right versus wrong. These are universal values - that apply to each of us, equally and in full. Any credible future for multilateralism depends on this.

Let us recall that, on seven occasions, this General Assembly has called for an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian military forces from the territory of Ukraine. We have done so in overwhelming numbers.

Today, President, we gather once again, to call for an end to this war and a just and lasting peace in full accordance with the Charter.

President, We all want conflict to end.

The distinguished Minister from Ukraine has been eloquent in describing his country’s desire to see an end to three years of war. The cause of peace must be our overriding objective, and our guiding star. We welcome and commend efforts to bring about an end to conflict. We thank the United States for its commitment to advance peace for Ukraine.

Many of us in this chamber have known conflict in our past. For some, the present is marred by conflict and its terrible effects. We know the value of peace. And why we must work to achieve and preserve it. How we make peace matters. We must aspire to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. A peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Ukraine must be central to any process, and must determine the timing and terms of any agreement. We know that an end without justice is not peace.

The people of Ukraine have endured over 1,000 days of attacks on land, by sea, and from the air - on their homes, hospitals, schools, and critical energy infrastructure. Russia has forcibly deported thousands of Ukrainian children, forced over 14 million from their homes, and deepened the scourge of global hunger. The decisions of our shared institutions of international justice reinforce the collective condemnation that we, as UN Member States, have made of Russia’s reprehensible aggression against Ukraine. These decisions must guide us as we seek to craft a peace in line with the UN Charter and international law.

And so we meet today, President, not for any partisan geopolitical agenda, but because the Russian Federation has failed to implement all seven resolutions of the General Assembly. And it has ignored the orders of the International Court of Justice. Accountability for Russia’s violations must remain a priority.

President, In the face of brutal adversity, the people of Ukraine continue to demonstrate outstanding courage, resolve and determination. Today, I would like to honour their heroic efforts to defend their country and their freedom. They have done nothing to bring down this war on their heads. They deserve the same right we all claim - to determine their own future, in peace, dignity and security. They deserve the unqualified support of each of us in this chamber.

We are all agreed that the time for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine is long overdue. Let us act now to advance this noble goal. In doing so, let us recall that if the UN Charter and accountability are not central to our endeavours, each of us is less secure. We know this from history. And we know that any common framework to deliver a just and lasting peace must uphold the UN Charter.

I urge all states to join with Ireland in recommitting to these fundamental purposes and principles. For the peace and security of all of us, these United Nations.

Thank you.