Ukraine at UN Warns against Russian Nuclearization of Occupied Crimea

Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko of Ukraine warned the international community of the growing global danger of Russia’s deployment of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in occupied Crimea.

Speaking at the United Nations today, Yelchenko, the permanent representative of Ukraine, cited violations of international accords in denouncing what Ukraine considers destabilizing moves by Moscow.

However, Yelchenko noted that Ukraine continues to support the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones worldwide.

Pointing out the direct threat to Ukraine of Russia’s militarization of the Crimean peninsula, Yelchenko said the state-signatories to the memorandum regarding Ukraine’s denuclearization “reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine to respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine”, as well as “reaffirmed their obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine.”

He said in an era of looming proliferation threats as well as efforts to quell security concerns of states seeking nuclear deterrent capabilities, the validity of the Budapest Memorandum is especially vital.

Yelchenko declared that the brutal violation of the international obligations, including under the Budapest Memorandum, by Russia, a nuclear-weapon state and a permanent UN Security Council member, has undermined the whole UN-based security system.

“We are deeply concerned with this situation given the fact of increasing militarization of the occupied Crimea by the occupying state, including developing Russian nuclear capabilities in this area,” he said.

Citing UN resolution 73/194, Yelchenko said “I would like to recall, in particular, para 1 of this resolution which stresses that ‘the presence of Russian troops in Crimea is contrary to the national sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and undermines the security and stability of neighboring countries and the European region.’

“In para 2 of the same resolution the GA expressed ‘its grave concern over the progressive militarization of Crimea by the Russian Federation as the occupying Power, and also expressed concern over reports of the continuing destabilization of Crimea owing to transfers by the Russian Federation of weapon systems, including nuclear-capable aircraft and missiles, weapons, ammunition and military personnel to the territory of Ukraine, and urges the Russian Federation to stop such activity.’”

In addition to Russia’s global aggression, imperial “passportization” of citizens, unrestrained adventurism and militaristic hooliganism, the free world has to deal with Moscow’s nuclear expansion in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea. Will it grant Russia a free pass on this crime as well?