STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 62 “THE SITUATION IN THE TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES OF UKRAINE” AT THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2025, NEW YORK

Mr President,

Thank you very much for convening today’s meeting on this important topic. 

2 Singapore has taken a clear and consistent position that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. A world order based on “might is right” would be profoundly inimical to the security and survival of small States. We do not and cannot accept one country attacking another under the pretext of historical errors and omissions. For a small State like Singapore, this is a matter of fundamental principle and existential importance. 

Mr President, 

3 Singapore has no interest in taking sides. Our position is firmly grounded in the belief that the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, big or small, must be respected. 

4 Singapore supports a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law, international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions. We reiterate our call for all parties involved in this conflict to adhere to their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, and to negotiate in good faith and step up efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

5 Thank you very much. 

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