Ukraine calls for UN veto reform on Charter’s 80th anniversary

Ukraine urged United Nations members on Thursday to curb Security Council vetoes in cases of aggression, genocide and war crimes, saying Russia was betraying the 80-year-old Charter’s principles.

Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On the UN Charter's 80th anniversary, Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia of betraying its ideals and urged UN reforms limiting Security Council vetoes in cases of aggression and large-scale atrocities.

“Ukraine stood at the UN’s first hours. Today, it stands on the frontline defending its founding principles,” Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X.

80 years ago, the UN Charter was signed to ensure peace and dignity for all. To ensure that no nation would suffer unprovoked aggression, that sovereignty would be sacred, and that peace would be built on the rule of law.

Ukraine stood at the UN’s first hours. Today, it stands…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) June 26, 2025

He said Moscow’s invasion targeted “not just against Ukraine — it is against the very foundations the UN was built upon”. Ukraine’s border, he added, marked “the border of international law”.

Sybiha called Russia’s permanent council seat illegitimate and urged “all peace-loving UN member states” to defend the Charter with deeds, not words.

“As a founding member, we urge a reform of the UN, which would first and foremost limit the veto right in cases of aggression, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. International law must be law, not a declaration,” he wrote.

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Source: PAP