Remarks by H.E. Cho Hyun
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea
Security Council High-level Meeting
on Maintenance of International Peace and Security
 (Ukraine) 
New York, September 23, 2025

(I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea.)

I thank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing.
I welcome the presence of President Zelenskyy in this meeting and I also appreciate the participation of other countries in this important discussion.

More than three years have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The drone incident along Poland's eastern frontier two weeks ago is a reminder that the battlefield may no longer be confined to Ukraine, posing a threat to the peace and security of neighboring States.
This conflict has had grave consequences.
Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure continue, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.

The humanitarian situation remains severe,
with millions of Ukrainians displaced, communities disrupted,
and essential services under constant threat.
These attacks must end.

The Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to  respect for internationally recognized borders, and in particular, to upholding the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

We also once again call for the full, immediate, and unconditional cessation of hostilities.
This is essential to prevent further civilian casualties and to create the conditions for dialogue and negotiations.

Peace, together with recovery and reconstruction, is essential to alleviating the suffering of Ukrainian civilians.
Korea has supported Ukraine in areas such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, and will continue to consider further measures.

Korea also acknowledges the initiatives of the international community, including the adoption of resolutions in both the General Assembly and the Security Council last February, which implore a swift end to the war.

Taking note of the ongoing discussions among the US, Russia, Ukraine and European partners, we hope these efforts will contribute to the realization of a peaceful settlement.

Excellencies,

We remain gravely concerned about military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including transfers of ballistic missiles and arms, as well as troop deployments.

These actions constitute clear violations of the UN Charter and of relevant Security Council resolutions unanimously adopted by this body.
Such cooperation undermines the global non-proliferation regime, prolongs the conflict in Ukraine, and raises serious security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.

The DPRK's involvement demonstrates that this war is not an issue for Europe alone.
Its repercussions reach other regions, including Northeast Asia, underscoring the fact that this conflict threatens international peace and security as a whole.

We urge both Russia and the DPRK to immediately cease all activities that violate relevant Security Council resolutions.

Excellencies,

The Security Council carries the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
All members must uphold the credibility of this body by ensuring that violations of international law are not ignored.
The international community cannot allow aggression to be legitimized or rewarded.

Korea will continue to support international efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
Such peace must be based on the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Only peace founded on these principles will ensure stability for Ukraine and reinforce the rules-based international order that benefits all Member States.

We will remain actively engaged with partners in pursuit of this goal, for the sake of the people of Ukraine.

(I now resume my functions as the President of the Council.
I now call on the (next speaker))

/END/