29.08.2025 Denmark's statement for UNSC briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

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Thank you, Mr President,

I also wish to thank Assistant-Secretary-General Jenča for his informative and sobering briefing.

Denmark, along with France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, supported Ukraine in its call for this urgent meeting. We did so, firm in our conviction that when faced with a clear and blatant threat to international peace and security, this Council has a responsibility to act. 

Just yesterday morning, as we have heard, Russian airstrikes once again rained down on Ukraine, in what has been reported as the second largest wave of attacks in this brutal three-year war. Denmark strongly condemns these attacks, which killed at least 23 civilians including 4 children, and injured dozens more.

One of those who tragically lost their lives was a 2-year-old girl.  Born during Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, and killed by Russian airstrikes on Kyiv. Another life cruelly cut short by Russia’s illegal war.

To the government of Ukraine, Denmark extends its deepest condolences to you, and to all those who have suffered in these latest attacks.

Russia consistently claims that its targets are military in nature, but their missiles have regularly hit schools, hospitals, apartment blocks and diplomatic missions. Yesterday, as we have just heard from the Assistant Secretary-General, the Delegation of the European Union, and the British Council in Kyiv were added to this long list.

These violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, are regrettably not new. They have been long documented in many reports by the UN’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.

Mr President,

We commend the US efforts to stop the killing and continue to hope for a breakthrough towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, but we must remain vigilant. Russia’s words about peace must be accompanied by action for peace. Not by attacks on civilians.

Denmark believes that the only pathway to a lasting peace begins with the guns falling silent. The aggressor must stop attacking the victim. Hostilities must end. Russia must enter talks in good faith, with Ukraine as a full and equal partner.

Looking further ahead, as in any war, if there is to be a lasting peace, there must be justice and accountability. And the only just peace is one based on the UN Charter.

Clear and robust security guarantees for Ukraine would also be essential for a lasting peace. Denmark and our partners have indicated a readiness to contribute to those. Our view is clear: Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.

Mr President, to conclude,

A few days ago, as we just heard also from the Assistant Secretary-General, we celebrated the 34^th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. It is a stark reminder of Ukraine’s inherent right to freely chart its own path.   

A Ukraine in which children can grow up in peace and security, not to the sound of air raid sirens.

Denmark will continue to stand with Ukraine today, as you enter into your 35^th year of independence. United we are strong.

I thank you.