ES-11/4. Territorial Integrity of Ukraine: Upholding the Principles of the UN Charter
The General Assembly,
Recalling the obligation of all States under Article 2 of the UN Charter to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, and to settle international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace, security, and justice are not endangered,
Reaffirming the principle of customary international law articulated in its Resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, titled "Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," whereby no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as lawful,
Recalling its resolutions 68/262 of 27 March 2014 on "Territorial Integrity of Ukraine," ES-11/1 of 2 March 2022 on "Aggression against Ukraine," and ES-11/2 of 24 March 2022 on "Humanitarian Consequences of the Aggression against Ukraine,"
Noting that Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine are areas partially or previously under temporary military control of the Russian Federation as a result of aggression, constituting a violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Ukraine,
Also noting that the Russian Federation’s decisions of 21 February and 29 September 2022 regarding the status of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions constitute violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and are inconsistent with the principles of the UN Charter,
Deeply concerned that from 23 to 27 September 2022, so-called referenda were organized in these regions in an attempt to alter Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders,
Noting the statement of the Secretary-General on 29 September 2022, emphasizing that any annexation of the territory of a State by another State resulting from the threat or use of force constitutes a breach of the principles of the Charter and international law,
Operative Clauses (Decisions and Calls)
- Affirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters.
- Condemns the organization by the Russian Federation of illegal so-called referenda in regions within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and the subsequent attempt to illegally annex the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.
- Stresses that the unlawful actions of the Russian Federation concerning the illegal so-called referenda held from 23 to 27 September 2022 in parts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions partially or previously under temporary Russian military control, and the subsequent attempt to illegally annex these regions, have no validity under international law and cannot justify any change in the status of these regions of Ukraine.
- Calls upon all States, international organizations, and specialized UN agencies not to recognize any change in the status of any or all of the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, or Zaporizhzhia regions by the Russian Federation and to refrain from any actions or relations that could be interpreted as recognizing such altered status.
- Demands that the Russian Federation immediately and unconditionally revoke its decisions of 21 February and 29 September 2022 regarding the status of certain areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, as they violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and contravene the principles of the UN Charter, and immediately, fully, and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
- Welcomes the efforts of the United Nations, Member States, and humanitarian organizations in responding to the humanitarian and refugee crisis.
- Welcomes and strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and Member States and calls upon Member States and international organizations, including the OSCE and other international and regional bodies, to support de-escalation of the current situation and peaceful settlement of the conflict through political dialogue, negotiation, mediation, and other peaceful means, with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and in accordance with the principles of the Charter.
- Decides to temporarily adjourn the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly and authorizes the President of the General Assembly to resume its meeting upon the request of Member States.