04.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC Arria Meeting on Ukraine

Checked Against Delivery

Mr. Chair,

It is, frankly, hard to know how to respond to the Orwellian, history-distorting revisionism we have all just been subjected to by the briefers. A smokescreen to try and distract, deflect and defend the indefensible, namely the illegal invasion of a sovereign neighbouring country by a permanent member of the Security Council.

This was a repeat of the tired Russian playbook of false claims. Claims that the aggressor is somehow the victim. That a democratically-elected government must be overthrown to protect human rights. That the party defending its sovereign territory is somehow a warmonger.

Russia isn’t fooling anyone: no one is being taken in by this rhetoric. In every General Assembly vote the international community has made clear that they understand who the aggressor is, and who the victim is. And they have consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders.

Denmark will continue to defend these principles to secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine consistent with the UN Charter.

It would be in everyone’s interests if the Russian Federation now made the same effort as they have done today to engage with the ceasefire talks rather than a charade in New York City. As a first step we call on President Putin to finally accept the unconditional 30-day ceasefire Ukraine has been offering since March.

In conclusion, the root cause of the war is clear for all of us to see: Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion. Russia could end the war today if it simply stopped attacking Ukraine. End its massive air strike campaigns on civilians. Withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s sovereign territory. And ensure accountability for the crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces.

Thank you.