US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield addresses UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, according to the US Mission’s website.
Thomas-Greenfield recalled that last weekend 82 countries signed the Joint Communique at a peace conference in Switzerland.
This Summit allowed last week’s Reconstruction Conference in Germany – which convened over 1,500 representatives from governments, businesses, and civil society – to mobilise support for Ukraine’s recovery.
According to the ambassador, the conference gave Ukraine an opportunity to agree on a potential framework for a future peace settlement with Russia, in line with the UN Charter.
“But for everything this Summit was, it’s important to note what it was not. Namely, this Summit was not a formal negotiation. After all, a negotiated end to the war will require both Russia and Ukraine at the table in good faith.”
Thomas-Greenfield also condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recently proposed peace initiative. She called on the UN Security Council to urge Russia to come to the negotiating table ready for constructive, fair dialogue.
But we must also ensure Ukraine is at the head of that table and in the strongest possible position. Any discussion about a negotiated settlement is, at its core, a discussion about Ukraine’s future.
Grind then recalled China’s “peace plan.”
“If China is genuinely interested in supporting the peace process, we would welcome its help.”
She also called on countries to step up efforts to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernisation. At last week’s Reconstruction Conference, the US pledged $824 million to help rebuild Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Linda Thomas-Greenfield stressed.
We must stand by Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace, consistent with the UN Charter.
