“Russia’s intention to conduct presidential elections from today, 15 March, until 17 March in areas of Ukraine under its control are unacceptable,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said.
Under international humanitarian law, the occupying power – in this case, Russia – must uphold the laws of Ukraine in the occupied territories, she continued.
‘Unspeakable suffering and destruction’
Noting that 16 March marks a decade since Russia’s unlawful attempt to annex Crimea and Sevastopol through a “so-called referendum”, she said Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has seen further annexation attempts in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.
She highlighted General Assembly resolutions condemning these illegal actions and pointed to UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reports on past “so-called referenda” and local elections conducted in a “coercive environment”.
“Any annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force is a violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law,” she said, “yet, that is what the Russian Federation has attempted in Ukraine, causing, in the process, unspeakable suffering and destruction.”
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Growing humanitarian concerns
She said the humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains dire amid the intensification of aerial assaults by Russian forces, as highlighted last week by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
A new report by the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, published on Friday, provides new insight and confirms previous findings that torture against civilians by Russian authorities in Ukraine and in Russia has been widespread and systematic, she said.
“Victims’ accounts disclose relentless, brutal treatment inflicting severe pain and suffering during prolonged detention, with blatant disregard for human dignity,” she said, adding that all perpetrators of such egregious violations must be held accountable.
“We continue to support efforts to this end by continuing to record these cases and to implore the Russian Federation to facilitate access to all detainees,” she said.
‘Peace continues to elude us’
“As this war is now in its third year, peace continues to elude us,” she said.
The rising toll of the war on the people of Ukraine is undeniable, and women constitute the vast majority of 6.2 million people forced to flee their homes during the war, she told ambassadors.
Despite immense obstacles, Ukrainian women have been at the forefront of humanitarian initiatives, and female-led civil society groups were among the earliest responders to the full-scale invasion, she said, adding that it is crucial to recognize their essential role in the long process to recovery and peaceful future of Ukraine.
“The pursuit of peace must be our foremost priority, guided by the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions,” she said.
Watch Ukraine’s ambassador deliver a statement on behalf of international partners outside the Security Council Chamber here.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
Do you think Russia will face any consequences for these illegal elections in Ukraine?
Yes, JenniferSmith123, it is crucial for the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. These illegal elections violate international law and only contribute to further instability in the region. Strong diplomatic measures must be taken to ensure that Russia faces consequences for its blatant disregard of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Do you think Russia will face any consequences for its actions in Ukraine according to international law?
Yes, it’s crucial for the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. Any violation of international law must be met with appropriate consequences to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Russia’s intentions to conduct presidential elections in Ukraine are unacceptable. The annexation attempts in various regions have caused unspeakable suffering and destruction. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains dire amid the intensification of aerial assaults.
As an avid follower of international affairs, I am deeply troubled by Russia’s blatant disregard for Ukraine’s sovereignty. It’s appalling that they are interfering in Ukrainian elections and causing further suffering to the innocent people of Ukraine.
It is appalling that Russia is attempting to meddle in Ukrainian elections and violate international laws. The suffering and destruction caused by their actions are unacceptable.
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, strongly condemns Russia’s actions in the Ukrainian elections. The unspeakable suffering and destruction caused by Russia’s attempts to annex Ukrainian territories are unacceptable and violate international law.
It is outrageous that Russia is trying to influence Ukrainian elections in this manner. The international community must take strong action to address this blatant violation of sovereignty.
As a humanitarian crisis unfolds in Ukraine, it’s alarming to see the ongoing deceitful actions by Russia in the Ukrainian elections. The blatant disregard for international laws and the suffering caused by such annexation attempts cannot be ignored.
It is appalling that Russia continues to meddle in Ukrainian elections and disregards international laws. The suffering and destruction caused by their actions are unforgivable.
It’s appalling to see Russia’s blatant disregard for international law and the suffering it causes in Ukraine. This aggression must be condemned and stopped immediately.
As a seasoned journalist following global affairs closely, I find Russia’s actions in Ukraine deeply concerning. It is disturbing that they are attempting to manipulate elections and annex territories through force, leading to immense suffering and destruction. The international community must stand together against such blatant violations of law and sovereignty.
As a strong advocate for human rights, I find Russia’s actions in Ukraine completely unacceptable. It’s crucial for the international community to condemn such violations of sovereign territory and support the people of Ukraine in their fight for independence and peace.