Ukraine congratulates the Czech Republic and the Republic of North Macedonia on their election to the OPCW Executive Council for the term of 2025–2027. 

These states uphold the principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention, contributing to the OPCW's effective work.  

Notably, the russian federation failed for the second consecutive year to secure a seat in the OPCW Executive Council. It is yet another proof of an ongoing international isolation of the aggressor state. 

The voting results of 140 participating states speak for themselves: the Czech Republic received 128 votes, North Macedonia 86 votes, and the russian federation only 56 votes.

Today’s vote demonstrates the firm stance of the international community: as long as russia continues its aggressive war against Ukraine, including the use of dangerous chemicals on the battlefield, it lacks the moral authority to be part of governing bodies in international organizations.

Evidence recently provided by Ukraine, including a russian RG-Vo grenade and related soil samples, served as a crucial argument for excluding the aggressor state from the OPCW Executive Council.

Ukraine has sufficient evidence of russia's violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention and will continue to mobilize the international community to decisively counter the aggressor and its unlawful actions, relying on the OPCW’s independent and expert work.

Today, the international community has demonstrated that the russian federation will not escape just accountability for its violations of the international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.