Checked Against Delivery
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to read a statement on behalf of Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the Delegation of the European Union.
Today, Ukraine marks its Independence Day – 35 years since it declared its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. This was a decision made by the Ukrainian people and recognized by the international community, including by Russia.
Yet, rather than being a day of celebration, today also marks four and a half years since the start of Russia’s illegal full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. A blatant and continuing violation of the UN Charter and of fundamental principles of international law. Russia’s invasion has challenged the foundation of the rules-based international order and undermined both regional and global peace and security.
Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have lost their lives or been injured as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Civilian casualties have risen sharply as attacks have increased. Last month OHCHR alone recorded the highest number of civilians killed and injured in a single month since March 2022, claiming the lives of at least 437 Ukrainian civilians.
That adds to the fact that at least 68,000 Ukrainian civilians – including almost 4,000 children – have been killed or injured since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Civilians are protected under both International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. We strongly condemn every single attack. They must end. Now.
We also underscore the urgent need to complete exchanges of prisoners of war, release of all unlawfully detained persons, and ensure safe return of all internees and civilians who have been forcibly transferred or unlawfully deported, including thousands of Ukrainian children. These are essential humanitarian steps and a moral imperative.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring full accountability for crimes committed in violation of international law. Justice for victims must be ensured – not least for preventing future atrocities worldwide.
The consequences of the war are also felt far beyond Ukraine. Several of our European partners have experienced multiple airspace violations and drone incidents that are both dangerous and unacceptable. These incidents carry a growing risk of miscalculation and further escalation.
And it does not stop here. The wider international community is also feeling the impact. Grain shipments in the Black Sea, and port facilities in Ukraine are being attacked by Russia and operations have been disrupted with immense consequences for the wider world and an impact on global food security.
This senseless war and the immense human suffering could end immediately. Russia simply needs to accept the unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine and the international community has been calling for for over a year and a half now.
Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. We strongly urge Russia to respond to the calls for a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire and resume talks for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
On this special day – the Ukrainian Independence Day – we will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine. There is no alternative to a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter.
Thank you.
