24.02.2026 UN Security Council Briefing on Ukraine
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr President
And I also thank the Under-Secretary-General for her sobering briefing and welcome the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine to this meeting. And thank you Minister for leading the meeting here today.
Mr President,
Exactly four years ago, as this Council met in emergency session, and as the Secretary-General appealed directly to President Putin to make peace prevail, Russia launched its unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For four years, this Council has met numerous times to shine a light on the devastation and destruction caused by this aggression. On the humanitarian crisis unleashed. On the children abducted. On the threat of nuclear disaster. And on its global repercussions.
Since that day four years ago, and despite unspeakable suffering of the Ukrainian people, the fundamental situation has remained largely unchanged:
Russia’s clear violation of international law and the UN Charter continues.
Its aspirations to subjugate Ukraine and unlawfully seize territory by force continue.
Ukraine’s bravery has remained undeterred as it legitimately exercises its inherent right to self-defence.
Mr President,
What has changed over the past four years is the scale of death, destruction and terror inflicted on Ukraine’s civilians. In this Russian war of territorial conquest, millions have been forced to flee their homes. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have perished. And at least 55,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured.
For five winters in a row, Russian drones and missiles have rained down on Ukraine’s energy grid. Desperately trying, but failing, to break the Ukrainian people’s spirit.
We recall that intentionally directing attacks against civilians or civilian objects is a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law and constitutes a war crime.
As we have heard from the Under-Secretary-General,
2025 was in fact the deadliest year for Ukraine’s civilian population in this war. Russia’s attacks on residential buildings, schools, hospitals, churches and playgrounds only intensified in this past year. We cannot allow this to continue.
Mr President,
Exactly one year ago, this Council adopted resolution 2774. This resolution, which Russia supported, implored a swift end to the conflict and urged lasting peace.
Quickly thereafter, Ukraine offered an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It has stood by that offer ever since. President Putin, on the other hand, has repeatedly rejected it, choosing violence and aggression again and again.
Russia shows no interest in peace. Rather, its actions are desperate and deeply cynical.
Denmark urgently calls on Russia to adhere to all its obligations under international law, and to engage, in good faith, in negotiations to end this war.
Mr President,
This morning, the General Assembly reaffirmed its call for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine with an overwhelming majority,
Around this table, and indeed around the globe, there is a clear demand for peace. For a just, sustainable and lasting end to this terrible war.
Demands to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence as well as accountability for Russia’s crimes. Anything less – or without robust security guarantees for Ukraine – would consign future generations to live in constant fear of further invasion.
The time for Russia to hear, and heed, these demands is now.
Mr President, in closing,
The United Nations was not founded to bear witness to aggression. It was founded to stop it.
The Security Council carries not only authority, but responsibility. Responsibility to maintain international peace and security, to defend the Charter, and to act.
Denmark stands with Ukraine. Both in words and in deeds. Our support is unwavering.
Ukraine and its people deserve to be free to choose their own destiny. To live in peace and prosperity.
On this sad four-year anniversary, let us not only reflect on this imperative. But act on it.
I thank you.