06.03.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UN General Assembly Veto debate on Ukraine

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Thank you, Mr President.

Denmark aligns itself with the statement made by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic countries, the European Union on behalf of the EU and its Member States, and Liechtenstein on behalf of a Group of Countries.

Denmark is a strong supporter of the veto initiative. We firmly believe that peace and security is a collective effort of the United Nations. When the Security Council fails, the General Assembly must step up. We welcome the transparency and accountability offered by today’s meeting.

Mr. President,

We are meeting today to listen to the Russian Federation’s explanations for using its veto twice in the Security Council on the third anniversary of its brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Let us recall it is Russian airstrikes overnight that have again brought more death, destruction and misery to the civilian population in Ukraine, including a ballistic missile hitting a hotel in Kryvyi Rih with at least 4 dead.

But nothing we have heard today could justify vetoing basic references to the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Two vetoes cast against sovereignty and territorial integrity by a permanent member that has invaded its neighbour and ever since used its P5 status to evade accountability. A more brazen abuse of power in the UN system is hard to imagine.

The use of the veto by a permanent member which is a party to the dispute is limited by paragraph 27.3 of the Charter. The identification of the Russian Federation as a party in the first paragraph of the adopted resolution is crystal clear.

Mr President,

Let us not forget, that the amendments the Russian Federation chose to veto, were supported by the majority of Council members. And let us also keep in mind that just hours before the vote in the Security Council, the vast majority of members present and voting in this Assembly chose to stand with Ukraine and the UN Charter.

They rejected the false equivalence between aggressor and victim.

They reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They supported a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

In doing so, they also showed solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

A people who have been the victim of tremendous human suffering. A people whose much larger neighbour Russia began a campaign to change internationally-recognised borders by force.

Let us remember: If Russia stops fighting, the war will end. If Ukraine stops fighting, it will cease to exist as an independent country.

Russia’s war of aggression has caused thousands of civilian casualties and humanitarian stress. Millions more have been displaced both within Ukraine’s borders and beyond. Almost 13 million people in Ukraine need humanitarian assistance due to Russia’s blatant violation of the UN Charter.

Let there be no doubt. Denmark welcomes genuine efforts to end this senseless war and for the Security Council to act in accordance with its responsibilities.

But peace must be on the right terms.

We must not reward the aggressor. We must adhere to the founding principles of the UN system as enshrined by the UN Charter and applicable under international law.

For all states, large and small, the Charter is the promise that their sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence will be protected. That the world does not again turn into a place where “might is right”.

Denmark entered the Security Council with a promise to stand up for international law: we intend to keep that promise.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by stressing that Denmark stands with the people of Ukraine.

We will support you and your freedom as long as it takes.

As we saw last week, so does the vast majority of the international community that voted in the General Assembly.

Thank you.

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