24.02.2025 Explanation of Vote by Denmark at the UNSC Adoption on Ukraine

Checked Against Delivery

Mr. President,

For all states, large and small, the UN Charter is more than a promise. It is protection. It is a bedrock of global security.

Protection of our sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Protection from a world where “the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must”.

That is why we must stand up against aggression whenever and wherever it occurs.

Why we must uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

That is why we have stood with Ukraine for three years.

For Denmark, these principles are non-negotiable.

We entered this Council with a promise to stand up for international law. We intend to keep that promise.

Let there be no doubt.

No one wants peace more than Ukraine.

Denmark welcome efforts to bring this senseless war to an end. For this Council to uphold its responsibility.

But peace must be on the right terms.

Regrettably, today’s resolution falls far short of that vision.

We need to reject the false equivalence between aggressor and victim.

We need to reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We need a peace that is comprehensive, just and lasting and in line with the UN Charter.

Our amendments sought to address these issues. They represented the minimum that we believe we should all support.

For these reasons, Denmark abstained on today’s resolution.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by directly addressing the people of Ukraine.

Denmark stands with you. We stand by your right to freely choose your future. To chart your own path. To simply exist.

Denmark will not impose a peace upon you. We will work with you. We will support you.

Thank you.