Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr President,
We thank USG Fletcher and SRSG Frazier and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Mr. Ted Chaiban for their briefings.
Mr. President, it is difficult to comment on the alleged claims made in this Chamber by the Russian Federation until they have been independently verified. Unlike in Ukraine, there is no free media in Russia and the occupied territories, nor unfettered access for credible independent journalists or international humanitarian organisations. We note that the alleged incident happened in the temporarily-occupied territory of Ukraine and thus call for an independent investigation. Access must be granted by Russia.
Throughout this war, Denmark has consistently deplored attacks on civilians and demanded full respect of International Humanitarian Law, without exceptions. There must be full accountability and justice for all crimes committed in this senseless war of choice, launched by Russia.
In this respect we note that Ukraine is a party to the Rome Statute, and has been fully cooperating with the International Criminal Court’s investigations into war crimes. The same cannot be said of Russia.
Mr President,
Let us recall the facts. Russia invaded its sovereign neighbour, Ukraine, already in 2014 and then launched a massive full-scale invasion in 2022. The UN has verified that this attempt to change internationally-recognised borders by force in violation of the UN Charter has so far killed and wounded over 60,000 Ukrainian civilians.
And that figure includes almost 800 Ukrainian children killed and more than 2750 children injured in Russian attacks. Not to speak of thousands more left without parents. Or the millions who have spent 4 years with massively-disrupted schooling, spending countless nights in bomb shelters in fear of their lives, forced to flee their homes. Or in the temporarily-occupied territories, the numerous – and not forgotten – Ukrainian children forced to deny their language and culture and attend Russian re-educational camps. Or, the thousands who were abducted and transported to Russia in the immediate aftermath of the full-scale invasion, an unforgiveable war crime resulting in an international arrest warrant against President Putin.
Mr President,
Let me also point to the fact, that only a few days ago, Russia openly threatened to attack another peaceful neighbour, Latvia, in this very chamber. We reject these unacceptable statements, which we strongly condemn. Denmark stands firmly by our NATO allies and our EU partners against any threats.
If we were to apply the same logic behind Russia’s call for today’s meeting, we would need twice-daily emergency Security Council meetings, including on the weekends, to only scratch the surface of the terror, death and destruction inflicted across Ukraine by Russia. This only serves to remind all of us that a full ceasefire – which Ukraine has offered Russia for over one year – cannot wait.
In conclusion, Mr President,
It is time for Russia’s leaders to accept a ceasefire and finally engage in serious, good faith peace talks directly with Ukraine and secure a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
I thank you.
