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Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me also thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her important briefing.
Excellencies,
Just one month ago, I presided over this Council as we marked Ukraine’s Independence Day. A solemn yet powerful reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they marked 35 years of independence from the former Soviet Union. An independence they fight for today.
At that time, I once again called for a swift end to Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine must be free to determine its own future. It has been said many times before, but it bears repeating here today: if Russia stops fighting, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, it will be the very end of Ukraine.
And yet, Russia continues its attempt to oppress its independent neighbour.
I have personally witnessed the suffering it has caused with my own eyes in Kyiv. I have seen the consequences of attacks on residential buildings, where families should have been safe; attacks on energy infrastructure, leaving civilians without heat and electricity in the harsh winter; and attacks on healthcare facilities, where those already wounded are once again placed in danger.
And yetthe human cost has continued to rise. This summer has seen some of the highest levels of civilian casualties since 2022. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, more than 68,000 civilians have been killed or injured.
Denmark pays tribute to all those innocent civilians who have lost their lives in this war.
Russia’s blatant violation of the UN Charter and of the most fundamental principles of international law must simply stop.
Excellencies,
We are witnessing a dangerous spiral of escalation.
The attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified with huge casualties. Civilian infrastructure and energy facilities continue to be targeted. And this is all the more cynical as winter looms on the horizon. Denmark strongly condemns all attacks in violation of international and humanitarian law.
Those responsible for violations of international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, must be held accountable.
Excellencies,
The consequences of this war do not stop at Ukraine’s borders. They are felt across the globe.
The Black Sea remains vital for Ukraine and for the wider world. Attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain infrastructure have consequences far beyond the battlefield. They threaten trade, livelihoods, and global food supplies, especially in developing countries.
The consequences of Russia’s aggression have also significantly impacted the European continent. Several neighbouring European countries have experienced Russian airspace violations, drone and missile incidents.
And most recently, our neighbouring country Germany attributed a failed hybrid attack at Leipzig Halle Airport to Russia. These are reckless and dangerous acts. They form part of a broader pattern of Russian provocations and malign activities designed to disrupt, intimidate and spread instability across Europe. But let me be clear: Europe is not, and will not be intimidated. We will strengthen our deterrence and hold Russia accountable.
Excellencies,
We welcome the recent peace efforts undertaken by the United States, including President Trump’s engagement and the latest visits of US envoys to Russia and Ukraine.
A peaceful settlement concerning Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. And similarly, Europe must be meaningfully involved as Ukraine’s security is also Europe’s security.
Ukraine has repeatedly again and again demonstrated its readiness to agree to a ceasefire. Russia, by contrast, has ignored these proposals and continued to escalate.
Excellencies,
Ukraine can count on Denmark’s support. We will continue to provide financial and security assistance as Ukraine defends itself against Russia’s aggression. We will help Ukraine rebuild. We will provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including through our contributions to the UN.
And we will increase the pressure on Russia through tough EU sanctions.
Excellencies, in closing,
There is absolutely no alternative to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law including the principles of the UN Charter.
We once again demand that Russia urgently and immediately accepts an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. That it finally decides to live with its neighbours in peace – respecting their independence, their borders and their right to freely determine their own future.
Denmark will continue to stand by Ukraine. We will strive for a Europe – and a world – in which peace is based not on the power to conquer, but on the power of law.
I thank you.
