Why Ukraine abstained from the UN vote on the world map
Ukraine decided to abstain from voting at the United Nations regarding an updated world map. This decision raised questions within the international community, prompting Ukrainian diplomats to provide official explanations for their position.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Melnyk explained that the reason for this step was the incorrect depiction of territories on the proposed map. Specifically, he referred to the distorted representation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
The Ukrainian side emphasized that any depiction of Crimea as part of another state or as a disputed territory is unacceptable. Such a position contradicts official UN General Assembly resolutions, which clearly reaffirm Ukraine's territorial integrity and the status of the peninsula.
Kyiv continues to insist that international organizations must adhere to international law in all their documents and visual materials. Ukraine will not support any initiatives that call into question its sovereignty over temporarily occupied territories.
This decision demonstrates Ukraine's consistent policy of defending its borders at the diplomatic level. Ukrainian diplomats continue to work to ensure that international institutions recognize Crimea as an integral part of our state.