On 26 March, 51 years ago, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC) came into force, representing a vital component of global security.

This document became one of the first global commitments by the international community to renounce one type of weapon of mass destruction.

The 51st anniversary of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction is an opportunity not only to commemorate humanity’s historic step towards greater security, but also to reflect on the contemporary challenges associated with biological threats.

We would like to emphasise that the relevance and importance of the BWC are only increasing today, at a time when biotechnology is advancing at an unprecedented pace.

Ukraine was one of the first states to accede to the BWC. Our country’s participation in this Convention reaffirms its international commitments regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the promotion of global biosecurity.

The proper implementation and effectiveness of the Convention require the joint efforts of all States Parties. In this process, it is important to build trust between States, establish mechanisms for transparency and international control, and invest in biosecurity and preparedness to respond to potential threats.

In marking this anniversary, we reaffirm our shared responsibility: to prevent science from being used to pose a threat to humanity and to ensure that biological research serves exclusively peaceful purposes, the advancement of medicine and the well-being of people.

On this day, we cannot fail to mention the irresponsible and manipulative behaviour of the Russian Federation, which in recent years has consistently engaged in destructive actions aimed at undermining confidence in the Convention. In an attempt to justify its full-scale aggression against Ukraine and divert attention from its violations of international law, the aggressor state has been spreading disinformation on the BWC platform since 2022. We reiterate that such actions threaten the effective implementation of the Convention and undermine joint international efforts to strengthen the biological weapons ban regime.

As a responsible party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, Ukraine will continue to make every effort to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions of this treaty and to support international initiatives aimed at preventing biological threats.