23.09.2025 Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark at the UNSC Briefing on Ukraine
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr President
And thank you to the Republic of Korea for convening this meeting. And thank you to the Secretary General for his briefing. I warmly welcome the participation of President Zelenskyy. And his important statement today.
Whatever one Council member may claim, there is only one “root cause” of the war in Ukraine: Russia’s illegal invasion of a sovereign UN member state. A blatant violation of the UN Charter. An illegal war of aggression to redraw borders and take territory by force.
But Russia’s full-scale invasion was repelled by Ukraine’s brave armed forces and with the support of countries opposed to Russia’s aggression. But above all by the determination of Ukraine’s people. Who refused to lose their independence. To have their national identity erased.
With no quick military victory, Russia’s leaders switched tactics. To terrorise Ukraine into submission. Waves of drones, missiles and bombs hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Killing the elderly waiting for their pensions. Children sleeping in their beds. Mothers and babies in maternity wards. Rescuers as they search for survivors in the rubble of homes.
Daily shocking violations of international law. Attacks on the civilian power grid to freeze families in winter. Drones used to “hunt” civilians. Sexual assaults, torture and execution of prisoners of war and other detained persons. Deporting children.
Acts that have been declared war crimes and crimes against humanity by the UN and for which arrest warrants have been issued by the International Criminal Court.
And yet, Mr President,
The Kremlin will have us believe it wants peace. That the aggressor somehow is the victim.
But Russia’s actions speak louder. The 20 largest air attacks on Ukraine’s cities have all happened since this May. July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians in over three years, with more than 1,600 civilians killed or injured. Since the Council passed Resolution 2774, Russia has shown no interest whatsoever at a first step on the “Path to Peace”. Russia’s leaders clearly mean to prolong and escalate the war.
Russia’s repeated violations of European sovereign airspace with aircraft and drones underline Russia’s insistence on staying on a path of war. These reckless acts threaten the security of our citizens, threatens regional stability and international peace.
Mr President,
For peace to have any chance in Ukraine, the first step must clearly be for the weapons to fall silent.
Ukraine offered an unconditional ceasefire months ago. We have all witnessed Russia’s response: escalation.
Therefore the international community needs to increase the pressure on the Kremlin. Through additional sanctions and measures against the shadow fleet. This is the only way Russia might engage in the peace talks in good faith.
Mr President,
We are also focused on the humanitarian needs and other needs in Ukraine. My own country Denmark recently launched the Ukraine Transition Programme to enhance Ukraine’s resilience and ability to meet its people’s urgent basic needs. With a new winter around the corner Ukraine’s needs will increase and it is our duty to support them.
I was in Kyiv ten days ago to launch this programme. I saw the determination of the Ukrainian people with my own eyes. They want to build a future and end this senseless war.
Mr President,
We all pledged to uphold the UN Charter. To ensure countries can live in peace within their borders. In the 80th anniversary year of the founding of the UN, any other outcome would be a tragedy.
When Denmark was elected to the Security Council, we pledged to uphold international law. And we will continue to do so. In all cases.
Thank you.