02.04.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Arria-Formula Meeting: "Disinformation and Sabotage of peace in Ukraine: The Bucha Hoax"
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Colleagues,
Once again, Russia is using and abusing the Arria-formula meeting in an attempt to re-write the history of its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A war of choice the General Assembly again condemned only six weeks ago. Today, Russia would have us believe the atrocities its own forces committed in and around Bucha – as revealed in April 2022 once its forces were pushed back from the gates of Kyiv – are a “hoax” and a “provocation” designed to “sabotage peace”. This is another spurious claim.
This despite the fact that the atrocities have been extensively documented by independent international media – including the New York Times, AFP, the BBC, Radio Free Europe, The Washington Post, and CNN – and by NGOs – including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Bellingcat. These are not organisations that repeat lines given to them by any government.
UN bodies have also concluded there is evidence of mass graves, execution-style killings, torture and conflict-related sexual violence under Russian occupation in Bucha. These include the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.
Colleagues,
I will not accord Russia’s lies – which seek to deny that the terrible crimes in Bucha were committed at all or, even worse, to try to blame the victims – the dignity of a detailed response. We must all refuse to be sucked down into this deliberate attempt to hide the truth. We all by now understand Moscow’s disinformation playbook: deny, deflect and distract.
First, deny the atrocity occurred. Dismiss evidence and testimonies as fabrications, and photos and videos as “staged provocations”. Maybe accuse others of “information terrorism”.
Second, deflect, blaming Ukraine’s forces for the atrocities Russia itself committed. As it was done after the bombings of Mariupol’s maternity ward and drama theatre, where the hundreds of civilians seeking shelter inside had chalked the word “children” outside – in Russian – large enough to be clearly visible from the air. But to no avail.
And thirdly, distract, by creating conspiracy theories to sow confusion, even if Moscow’s narrative is internally inconsistent and contradictory. At the same time claiming that victims’ bodies are “actors” and “pro-Russian collaborators executed by the Ukrainian forces”.
Colleagues,
This three-pronged disinformation campaign is, at its most basic, a desperate attempt to exhaust the international community. To hamper our ability to think critically and logically. And at its most cynical, it is a pre-emptive effort to try and discredit the war crimes investigations that are to follow. But Moscow’s efforts will not stop us from attributing the blame for the crimes committed in Ukraine – such as in Bucha – where it clearly belongs: at Russia’s door.
Russia is not fooling anyone. Whenever Russia’s war against Ukraine has been debated in the General Assembly there is no doubt: UN Members have clearly shown they understand who the aggressor is, namely Russia, and who the victim is, namely Ukraine. No false equivalence can or should be made between the two.
The international community has repeatedly stood up for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. UN members have underlined their commitment to the UN Charter, which prohibits any country from using armed force to redraw internationally-recognised borders.
As we seek an end to Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we cannot forget that real peace must be lasting. And lasting peace is only possible if it is just. And for there to be justice there must be accountability for the countless crimes committed in Ukraine, including in Bucha. We cannot allow impunity for the crimes committed in Ukraine. The alternative, to turn a blind eye to such atrocities would be shameful and unconscionable.
Thank you.