H.E. Yuriy Sergeyev

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

Ambassador Sergeyev is at the international forefront of one of the most consequential foreign policy challenges of Europe and the West in the last 10 years. While representing Ukraine in the UN Security Council, he is playing an important role in gathering support to guarantee Ukraine’s security as the country faces increasing pressure from Russian-backed illegal armed groups. In an escalating crisis, prior to the May 25 presidential elections, he is vocal about Ukraine’s commitment to solve the standoff through diplomatic channels, and outspoken about his country’s adherence to the Geneva agreement reached by the U.S., the EU, Russia and Ukraine in April of this year.  The accords requires all illegal armed groups to be disarmed, all factions in Ukraine to refrain from violence, and the return of illegally seized buildings. It also promises amnesty to protesters. Russia has argued that Ukraine has not fulfilled its promises, while the West accuses Russia of orchestrating more conflict and not putting pressure on illegal armed groups to lay down their arms.

Before taking his post in New York, Ambassador Sergeyev was Ukrainian Ambassador to France, UNESCO, Greece, Albania, and the Bahamas. Back at home, he served in several posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2003 he was awarded the State Order of Ukraine “For Merit” and an Honorary Decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. He earned a Ph.D from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1981. He is fluent in English, Russian and French.

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