Mr. Chairperson,

With the feeling of shock and deep sorrow Ukraine has learned the terrible news about the atrocious murder of Boris Nemtsov, the Russian statesman, opposition politician, civil society activist, a true friend of Ukraine. We express our deep condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Nemtsov and to all the people of Russia. 

Awarding the Ukraine’s order of Freedom to Boris Nemtsov, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko emphasized that in the memory of the Ukrainian people Boris Nemtsov would remain a person for whom freedom was a universal value without any limits or state borders. In particular, he noted: “For us, Ukrainians, Boris will always remain a patriot of Russia and a friend of Ukraine. He has proved that these two things are compatible – the only necessary thing for this is desire”.

For many years Boris Nemtsov had been actively struggling for democratic direction of development of Russia, was a tireless defender of human rights and freedoms. This murder is an attempt to intimidate all those who stand against arbitrariness and strive to make Russia a democratic, rule-of-law and civilized state.

We call on Russia to take exhaustive measures to ensure immediate, open and unbiased investigation to bring swiftly the perpetrators of this brutal murder to justice.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.