Checked against delivery
Madam President,
I thank ASG Khiari and Director Wosornu for their briefings.
Yet again, the Security Council has convened to urgently address the humanitarian suffering caused by renewed large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Another mass-casualty attack came in the night of 14th and 15th June. Hundreds of Russian drones and missiles hit urban areas across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv. They killed at least 11 civilians and injured 53. Denmark condemns these deadly strikes on civilians in the strongest possible terms, and extends our deep condolences to these latest victims of Russia’s senseless war.
These attacks also resulted in significant damage to major cultural landmarks, including the Kharkiv Art Museum and the UNESCO World Heritage monastery in Kyiv, one of the most sacred places in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This follows Russian strikes in May on the Kyiv Small Opera, the Dynamo Stadium, the National Art Museum, the Ukrainian House, and the Institute of Literature. With these attacks, precious lives are lost, people are injured and irreplaceable historical and cultural landmarks are destroyed.
International Humanitarian Law provides special protection to cultural and religious sites. Because these sites bear meaning. They bear history. Attacks on cultural landmarks deprive communities of shared heritage and identity. Denmark calls for IHL to be fully respected. Without exception. And demands full accountability and justice for all the crimes committed in Russia’s war of choice.
Madam President,
More than 60,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or injured in this war. A horrifying statistic. Behind each number is a heart-breaking story, of a life cut short, or left with life-altering trauma, and countless family members left to grieve. Enough is enough!
Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign and independent state. To erase its memory, history, and identity. But well into its fifth year since the full-scale invasion, this war has failed to achieve any of its goals.
Madam President,
The international community must increase the pressure on Russia to halt its senseless war. Russia’s leaders are the only ones who can end the fighting. And they can do so today, if they so choose.
Ukraine has been offering an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire for well over a year. It is obvious that the only answer is a permanent ceasefire to allow for serious negotiations aimed at a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
Denmark and our partners reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia’s aggression.
Thank you.
