KYIV, Ukraine – The President of the U.N. General Assembly affirmed the organization’s commitment to upholding Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty amidst global elections this year, emphasizing that no country has the right to invade another. During his inaugural trip to Ukraine, General Assembly President Dennis Francis reiterated the body’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The U.N.’s primary policy-making body has consistently backed efforts to maintain Ukraine’s territorial integrity, President Francis stated. Concerns have arisen, however, regarding the potential policy shifts in Western nations due to elections in the U.S. and key European Union countries, which have been instrumental in providing military and financial assistance to Ukraine against Russian aggression.
President Francis expressed the need to observe the implications of these election outcomes on the international system and specifically on Ukraine, noting the determination of the Ukrainian people to resist foreign domination of their homeland regardless of election results. While concluding his visit to Kyiv, President Francis urged Russia to immediately withdraw all military forces from Ukrainian territory, in alignment with a General Assembly resolution passed shortly after the outset of the conflict.
During his two-day visit, President Francis engaged with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to discuss peace and international security. He voiced support for Zelenskyy’s peace plan, which was deliberated upon at an international conference in Switzerland with the participation of numerous countries and organizations, including the U.N.
President Francis acknowledged the potential for Zelenskyy’s plan to lay the groundwork for dialogue in due course. He emphasized the importance of exploring the possibilities presented in the plan and its potential outcomes.
