Statement of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Luis Vassy, Permanent Representative of France to the OPCW at the 99th session of the Executive Council - Ukraine (The Hague, 8-11 March 2022) [fr]
Statement of the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Luis Vassy, Permanent Representative of France to the OPCW at the 99th session of the Executive Council - Ukraine (The Hague, 8-11 March 2022).
Agenda item 6 - Ukraine
I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU).
Mrs. Chairperson,
The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. By its illegal military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermining European and global security and stability. Russia bears full responsibility for this act of aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it will cause. It will be held accountable for its actions. The European Union demands that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders.
In this context, the European Union wishes to denounce unfounded statements by Russian officials on allegations to commit provocations with chemical components in Ukraine. These declarations are unjustified and form part of a Russian strategy of disinformation and information manipulation, which we condemn.
Mrs. Chairperson,
The Permanent Representation of Ukraine sent the Note Verbale n°61219/30-196/50-3 to the Technical Secretariat on the 27th of February 2022.
The Member States of the European Union have responded collectively to this Note Verbal, by expressing their serious concerns, at the information that the Russian armed forces may be preparing “false flag” provocations in Ukraine, using chemicals, including blowing up industrial tanks with chemicals, involving the exposure of population to dangerous chemicals.
Such provocations or false accusations by Russia would be irresponsible and could have grave humanitarian consequences, for the Ukrainian population as well as for the environment. In the event of incident, Russia, alone, would be held responsible.
The European Union emphasises the absolute prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in any context and further emphasises that those who use chemical weapons will be held to account.
As you have invited me, I would like to say that the information manipulation and provocations in the chemical domain weaken our Convention and our Organisation.
Mrs. Chairperson,
I thank you and request that this statement be considered an official document of this session of the Executive Council and be posted on Catalyst as well as on the OPCW public site.
