EU Statement – UN Security Council: Briefing on the Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine

Colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, as well as Andorra and Monaco align themselves with this statement.

I thank OCHA for its briefing. It reminds us of the devastating humanitarian toll of Russia’s war of aggression. The EU commends the courage and professionalism of all humanitarian workers risking their lives to alleviate human suffering.

In the coming weeks, many families in Ukraine would traditionally be celebrating the holidays together, in the safety and warmth of their homes. But, for far too many, this period will instead be marked by mourning lost friends and family members.

We once again call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally cease its large-scale and systematic attacks against Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure. Russia’s plan to weaponize energy and pressure the Ukrainian people is unacceptable. This year, civilian casualties are at their highest level since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to OHCHR at least 12.000 have been killed. Deliberately targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure is a war crime. These attacks also endanger nuclear safety and security, as nuclear sites need a secure off-site power supply.

In the territories it currently occupies, Russia’s large scale human rights violations are well-documented, including by the UN. We have also frequently heard in this Chamber how Russia has cut off an estimated 1.5 million Ukrainians from humanitarian aid. We call on it to respect its obligations under international law in the territories it temporarily occupies and facilitate full, safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.

We are equally alarmed at Russia’s treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees. The UN has confirmed widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence. There are numerous reports of executions by Russian forces. The EU condemns prisoners’ lack of access to the outside world and the denial of access for ICRC and other independent monitors. International humanitarian law, including the third Geneva Convention, must be fully respected. We reiterate that Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging this war of aggression and for other crimes under international law.

Humanitarian action in these winter months is particularly important, both within Ukraine and among Ukrainian refugee populations in neighbouring states. As is the case for all crises around the world, the EU and its Member States continue to contribute generously. We call on all nations to step up their support as well.

In Ukraine, we are providing an additional winter support package to repair damaged energy infrastructure, to improve connectivity within Ukraine and from the EU, and to stabilize the energy system. In line with our long history of support for mine clearance, we are also increasing humanitarian mine action, taking into account that Ukraine is one of the countries most affected by landmines, and the risks to civilians, especially children, are amplified when these dangers are buried under snow and ice.

We urge third countries to cease all assistance to Russia’s war of aggression. This includes not only direct military support but also the provision of dual-use goods and sensitive items that sustain Russia’s military industrial base. The EU strongly condemns the deepening military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. The deployment of DPRK troops in Russia’s illegal war of aggression blatantly violates UN Security Council resolutions. It represents a unilateral hostile act by the DPRK, at the reckless invitation of Russia, with grave consequences for European and global peace and security.

President,

During these cold winter days and nights, our thoughts go out to the brave, resilient Ukrainian families, suffering under an illegal and unprovoked foreign aggression and exercising their inherent right to self defense. No one wants peace more than the Ukrainians. As a new year arrives, now, more than ever, we urgently need a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, anchored in the UN Charter.

I thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.