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29.04.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Ukraine

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 29.04.2025

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr President, 

 

First of all, Minister Barrot, thank you for your presence at today’s meeting 

 

I also want to thank Under Secretary General DiCarlo and Assistant Secretary Msuya for their briefings today. And I welcome the participation of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Betsa of Ukraine in this meeting. 

 

Regrettably, Russia’s deadly attacks on Ukraine continue unabated. Earlier this month, the attack on Sumy represented the single worst mass casualty attack on

Ukraine’s civilian population this year, 

 

As we have heard from our briefers, attacks continued across the country last week and over the weekend. Destroying cities, destroying houses and killing civilians. On April 24, Russia carried out a large-scale attack on residential areas in Kyiv and surrounding regions killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 70, including children. 

 

These are hardly the actions of a country that seeks peace. 

 

The facts speak for themselves. Russia invaded its neighbour in an unprovoked war, in breach of international law, which continues to this very day. Ukraine did not encourage this war. Ukraine is not encouraging the continuation of this war. Ukraine is defending itself against an armed attack clearly prohibited under the UN Charter. 

 

And while Ukraine has no choice but to continue to fight for its sovereignty and its very existence, Russia has a choice. Russia could end the suffering today. 

 

But instead of de-escalating, Russia is continuing attacks on Ukraine. It is hard to comprehend why one would seek war and destruction instead of peaceful coexistence. 

 

Ukraine has time and time again showed its desire for peace by accepting not only the 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure but also a complete 30-day ceasefire without preconditions. Additionally, on Easter Sunday, President Zelensky proposed to abandon any strikes with long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for at least 30 days. 

 

We now hear that Russia has suggested a three-day ceasefire next week. Any pause in the devastating bombings in Ukraine is of course welcomed and needed. But there is an urgent need for an immediate and longer ceasefire. A full and unconditional ceasefire. Just like Ukraine has agreed to. We now need to see concrete and genuine steps from Russia. 

 

Mr President, 

 

Denmark will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

 

We stand firmly behind Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. These principles are enshrined in the UN Charter. 

 

This is also the position of the majority of UN members. They have collectively and clearly condemned Russia’s illegal attempt to change internationally recognised borders by force. 

 

This has been the case every time the General Assembly has debated this matter, most recently two months ago on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion. 

 

Denmark supports any serious and genuine efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that respects the principles of the UN Charter and secures Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

 

 

Such peace needs to be built on accountability and justice. It should include robust and credible security guarantees. This can only be achieved with all relevant actors around the table. This of course includes Ukraine, but also Europe. We welcome the progress made at the London meeting between the E3, Ukraine and the United States, and it is important that these processes continue. 

 

We need to ensure a just end to this senseless war as soon as possible. 

 

Thank you.