Madame Chairperson,

Ukraine has been always strongly condemning Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, as well as dire human right situation on these Georgian territories, which is a direct outcome of illegal activities by Russian occupation administrations.

In this vein, the delegation of Ukraine joins other delegations in welcoming the Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case concerning the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation in August 2008 and its consequences.

This Court decision is a clear indication that both international law and international community are on the side of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Ukraine itself has filed numerous cases against the Russian Federation in the European Court of Human Rights in connection with Russian aggression. Notably that on 14 January 2021, the Grand Chamber of the Court ruled on the admissibility of an interstate claims in Ukraine's case against the Russian Federation concerning Crimea.

All cases, filed by both Ukraine and Georgia, are parts of legal strategy aimed at bringing Russia to responsibility for violations of human rights and fundamental norms and principles of international law. I am convinced that Russia will not avoid responsibility for its military aggression against independent states and its peoples.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s unwavering support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.

Thank you, Madame Chairperson.