Mr. Chairperson,

Ukraine expresses its solidarity with Georgia and international community in condemning the actions of the Russian occupation regime of Tskhinvali to resume the process of installing artificial barriers along the occupation line near the village of Takhtisdziri, Kareli municipality on 17 April 2020.

Such provocative actions ensure the achievement of the far-reaching plans of the Russian Federation to escalate regional tension, deteriorate the security and humanitarian situation on the occupied territory of Tskhinvali region of Georgia. The deprivation of the Georgian population on the occupied territory of the right to move freely, to receive proper medical care, to have access to vital agricultural and water resources is an indisputable violation of international law and creates additional threats against the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic throughout the world.

We are particularly concerned about the activities of the Russian Federation to continue the militarization of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and Georgia. An example was the transfer of units of the nuclear, biological and chemical troops of the Russian armed forces from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea to the occupied territory of Abkhazia region by using as a pretext the need for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease the illegal activities on the installation of artificial barriers on the occupied territory of Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia, to provide full and unhindered access of the international monitoring and human rights organizations to the Georgian occupied territories and finally fulfil all its obligations under the Ceasefire Agreement of August 12, 2008.

Let me also touch upon the recent so-called “presidential elections” held in the occupied Abkhazia region of Georgia on 22 March. We strongly condemn them and reiterate our position that Ukraine does not recognize any so-called “elections” in the occupied regions of Georgia, as they are held under the full control of the aggressor-state, contrary to the international law, and have no legal consequences. These actions are also aimed at further aggravating the security situation in the Black Sea region.

Illegal "elections" in the occupied territories is a common practice of the Russian Federation aimed at legitimizing the gains of its aggression against sovereign states. The clear position of the international community in response to these attempts demonstrates the futility of the aggressor state’s efforts.

In conclusion, let me reiterate Ukraine`s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.