Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
Let me also thank ASG Khiari and Director Connell for their informative and important briefings.
Madam President,
Our briefers have painted a grim picture. One of increasing humanitarian suffering for Ukrainians. Of winter on the horizon. Of ever-increasing waves of jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles raining down on Ukraine’s cities and population. Of a relentless onslaught in Russia’s continued war of conquest.
As we have heard, on 7 October, a Russian glide bomb hit two buses in Kramatorsk, with local authorities reporting over 30 civilians killed and 21 injured. Earlier that same day, a residential building in Pryluky was struck, killing more than 20 of its residents, including five children, and injuring at least 50 civilians.
Attacks on Ukrainian civilians have continued, without respite, every single day since the Council last met in September. Attacks have hit kindergartens, schools and maternity hospitals. When even the places where children learn, mothers give birth or families seek refuge are struck, the pattern cannot be ignored. The most basic boundaries of war - between military and civilian life - are violated over and over again.
Denmark condemns all such attacks in the strongest terms and demands accountability for violations of International Humanitarian Law without exception.
We also want to draw the international community’s attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Oleshky. As the occupying power, Russia must ensure protection, adequate food, medical services, and essential supplies. We call for immediate safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Oleshky and all other temporarily occupied territories.
Madam President,
The latest Russian tactics are designed with one goal in mind: to make civilian life in Ukraine, in particular in its cities, unbearable. Russian drones have struck two bridges in Kyiv in the middle of the day.
We are also concerned by reports of Russian attacks on hydroelectric power plants and on the powerlines connecting Ukraine’s three nuclear power plants to the grid. It looks like Russia is hoping to cut the electricity, heating and water that civilians need. In short, Russia is trying to freeze Ukrainians into submission, to cut their power, and even their access to basic needs such as water. Using winter as a weapon of war. This is simply cruel, and it is illegal under IHL.
Russia has also dramatically increased its attacks on Ukraine’s civilian ports and the ships used to transport its grain to the world, especially to developing countries. In recent days drones have repeatedly struck commercial vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Romania and Bulgaria, including Turkish-owned ships carrying Ukrainian grain to global markets. All three such attacks killed or injured sea farers and nine Syrian crew members remain missing. Denmark strongly condemns these attacks, which show all too clearly the global impact of this war.
Madam President,
During High Level Week there were fresh diplomatic talks for a double moratorium. To end attacks by both sides on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea. This could alleviate humanitarian suffering while increasing food security in the Global South. Denmark notes Ukraine’s stated willingness to engage seriously on this proposal, and we call on Russia to do the same.
Every Council member except one has called for a ceasefire. Every Council member except one has called for civilians to be protected from harm. Russia has heard these repeated calls. It is long past time that Russia heeds to them.
In closing, we urge Russia to engage seriously in these proposals. In the meantime, however, with Russia’s intent of increasing civilian suffering, the international community must increase its pressure. We call on all UN members to exercise the maximum leverage on Moscow to bring this senseless war to an end immediately.
I thank you.
