Comment of Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, in connection with the approval of the UNGA resolution on withdrawal of foreign troops from Moldova

Ukraine, as one of co-sponsors, welcomes the approval of the resolution of the UN General Assembly on the complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops from the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The resolution urges Russia to withdraw its forces from the Transnistrian region, which are stationed there without the permission of the official authorities and contrary to the constitution of Moldova.

We call on the Russian Federation to implement the approved resolution immediately, as well as to fulfill other international obligations within the framework of the Transnistrian settlement process.

The Ukrainian side consistently advocates for the restoration of Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strongly condemns Russia's aggressive policy towards its neighbors. Ukraine is all too familiar with the bear hug of the “Russian world", which has occupied Crimea and Donbas.

What is most important is that despite the desperate attempts by the Russian side to block the draft resolution the General Assembly once again confirmed the violation by the Russian Federation of the UN Charter and other norms of international law. This will contribute to holding the Kremlin regime accountable for the crimes committed not only in Moldova, but also in Ukraine and other parts of the world.

For our part, together with our partners, we will continue to actively use the UN instruments to promote Ukraine's interests, in particular, the de-occupation of Crimea and counteraction to Russia's military aggression in Donbas.

New York, 22 June 2018