Madam Chairperson,

Ukraine is closely following the deteriorating developments on the Belarussian-Polish border and stands in full solidarity with the European Union and in particular with those countries especially affected, namely Latvia, Lithuania, Poland.

What is happening at the Belarussian border is not in conformity with commitments taken by OSCE participating States by adopting the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept fifteen years ago and violates agreed principles of co-operation on border-related issues.

Let me emphasise that a commitment to co-operate following the principles of international law, mutual confidence, equal partnership, transparency and predictability, and pursuing a comprehensive approach in a spirit that would facilitate friendly relations between States has to be respected fully and in good faith.

Unfortunately, the course chosen goes against those commitment. Thus, we believe that the OSCE can and should play a role in resolving this crisis, including by providing comprehensive assessment of the situation and by applying relevant tools when necessary.

We also noticed that the deterioration of the situation followed the signing of the Union State integration decree. In view of this, Ukraine warns once again the Russian Federation against taking steps that may lead to further destabilizing the situation and wishes to underline the absolute unacceptability of interfering in Belarus’ internal affairs.

Madam Chairperson,

Ukraine remains in close contact with its European partners in order to shape and coordinate a common response to the existing situation.

Yesterday, a special meeting of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine was held, where the issue was discussed in details.

On its part, Ukraine is introducing additional measures to strengthen control over the security situation on the Ukrainian border. If situation so requires, additional measures will be further applied.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.