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Mr. President,
I thank Under Secretary-General DiCarlo and the Acting Assistant Secretary-General Ratwatte for their briefings.
For the fifth time in just 20 days, the Security Council has convened to urgently address the humanitarian suffering caused by Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of its peaceful neighbour, Ukraine.
Two weeks ago, the Secretary-General made a strong appeal in this Chamber, for the international community to stop the war before it spirals further out of control. Since then, we have only seen a further escalation by Russia.
And then last week, again in this Chamber, Russia issued the chilling threat that it would launch “systematic attacks” on Ukraine’s capital. On this occasion, regrettably, Russia kept its word. In the night between the 1st and 2nd of June, this threat became reality for the civilians of Ukraine.
The skies above Kharkiv, Dnipro and in particular above Kyiv, lit up once again with hundreds of Russian-fired missiles and drones. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission witnessed the devastation first-hand. The reports are of at least 22 civilians killed and 145 injured.
We are also seeing a deeply-concerning increase in attacks on, or close to, Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaphorzhzhia and the decommissioned Chornobyl plant. Denmark supports the IAEA’s warning that attacks on nuclear sites are completely unacceptable and directly contravene key nuclear safety principles.
Mr. President,
Let me return once again to the fundamental tenets of international humanitarian law. Because these pillars stand firmly and unchanged. So does their importance. We repeat our demand that International Humanitarian Law be fully respected. Without exception. We similarly demand – also without exception – full accountability and justice for all the crimes committed in this war of choice, launched by Russia. However, what we have seen is the exact opposite: another Russian attack on Ukraine’s cities that completely disregards International Humanitarian Law.
Compared to the same period in 2025 – which was already the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since 2022 – casualties are 20 per cent higher this year, in 2026. Russia alone has the power to end this humanitarian suffering immediately. While Ukraine has no choice but to defend itself, to fight for its existence as a sovereign and independent state.
Mr. President,
Russia’s cynical tactics are clearly meant to force Ukraine into submission. But Russia has no military path to victory. Its unprovoked invasion of a neighbouring state, its attempt to overthrow a democratically-elected government, and its plan to redraw internationally-recognised borders by force have all failed.
Ukraine has been offering an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire for well over a year. We all know that the only solution is a permanent ceasefire to allow for good-faith negotiations aimed at a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. And just last week, President Zelenskyy again called for an end to the war.
The longer Russia denies reality, the longer civilians will be killed and injured. The international community must pressure Russia to halt its invasion and end the terrible human suffering. Until that moment, Denmark reaffirms its steadfast support to Ukraine, along with our partners.
I thank you.
