Dear Mr. Chair,

Dear Colleagues,

I wish to start by expressing our profound thanks to Ireland for exemplary leadership as the previous chair of the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC), whose efforts have made a significant contribution to achieving our shared goals.

We warmly welcome Chile as it assumes the chairmanship in the forthcoming period and look forward to work closely with it.

Our gratitude also goes to Austria for their steadfast support as the Immediate Central Contact in Vienna, furthering the objectives of the Code.

Ukraine reaffirms its unchanged position that the HCoC is an important global platform for the exchange of information aimed at the prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction delivery systems.

The Code is instrumental in fostering transparency, building confidence, and facilitating a spirit of openness and mutual understanding among nations.

The need for the efficient functioning and enhancement of international frameworks, including the HCoC, in curtailing the proliferation of missile technologies, especially ballistic ones, is a reality that we face every day.

Distinguished Colleagues,

For over two years, the Russian Federation has been relentlessly targeting Ukrainian civilians, launching missile attacks on vital civilian infrastructure and residential zones, leading to substantial loss of life and widespread destruction.

Since the start of this year alone, Russia has deployed close to 1,000 missiles, approximately 2,800 "Shahed" drones, and nearly 7,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine. The cumulative explosive impact of these air assaults on Ukraine in this timeframe has surpassed 9 kilotons, with a mere 3% of these attacks striking military objectives, and a staggering 97% devastating civilian infrastructure.

In recent months, there has been an escalation in Russia's use of massive combined attacks on Ukrainian soil, employing Iranian and North Korean weaponry, including cruise, air, ballistic, and anti-aircraft guided missiles. This includes "Kinzhal" aeroballistic missiles and numerous North Korean ballistic missiles. Such attacks has inflicted numerous deaths and severe casualties among Ukraine's civilian people.

The deployment of North Korean missiles in Ukraine, beyond posing a direct threat to our citizens, also serves as a field test for North Korea's ballistic technology, potentially applicable to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

It is evident that Russia seeks to augment its arsenal through alliances with nations sympathetic to its cause. The only viable response to this menace is through cohesive international action, aimed at preventing the acquisition of missile technologies and components by Russia and its allies.

Despite significant improvements to Ukraine's air defences thanks to our global partners, the potential for destruction from any Russian missile attack remains alarmingly high.

Therefore, Ukraine urges all interested Subscribing States to take decisive action by endorsing the Ukrainian Peace Formula, as outlined in the UN General Assembly Resolution titled "UN Charter principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine," adopted on 23 February 2023. The primary objective of the Peace Formula is to strip Russia of the means to wage aggression against Ukraine, reestablish Ukraine's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and ensure security and justice for the global community. It stands as the sole viable and comprehensive strategy towards this end.

We also call for the strict adherence to and intensification of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, aiming to cripple their ability to produce and maintain advanced weaponry, notably missiles, to be used against civilian targets and infrastructure. Strengthening oversight on the trade of dual-use items to Russia and its supporting nations is imperative.

Ukraine is bearing the brunt of missile warfare and recognizes the importance of platforms like the HCoC. We are committed to its principles, advocating for its universalisation, the enhancement of its implementation, and the reinforcement of its influence.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.