EU Statement – UN Security Council: Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine

As delivered

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you to the Presidency for convening this meeting. And thank you to our briefers for their clear statements on the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and for their critical efforts in leading the United Nations’ political and humanitarian engagement in Ukraine. 

Colleagues,

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The negotiations towards peace are accelerating as we speak. 

No one wants peace in line with the UN Charter more than Ukraine, the victim of Russia’s illegal aggression for nearly four years. After the adoption of resolution 2774 on ‘Path to peace’, Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire back in March and continues to advocate for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. The EU will sustain its diplomatic efforts towards such a peace, together with the United States and other partners. 

But Russia continues its war of aggression with increasing intensity, showing no sign of any serious commitment to peace. It intensifies its attacks, cynically striking energy infrastructure as winter approaches, and targeting, again, civilians, including women, children and humanitarian workers. These are not the actions of a party who wants peace. These are the actions of an aggressor who is determined to re-colonize by force an independent member of the United Nations. 

Colleagues,

Every member of the Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire to stop the killing and facilitate peace talks. Every member, that is, except for Russia. This is the moment to solidify that call. The UNSC may not have the power to force Russia to abide by resolution 2774. But it has both the power and the ultimate authority to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the only country that openly violates 2774 to -- finally -- stop the killing.

President,

We must never forget who bears the brunt of this war. For nearly four years, Ukrainian citizens have lived in fear of their very lives and of the safety of their loved ones. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, almost 7 million Ukrainians have registered as refugees, and a further 3.7 million are internally displaced. More than 42,000 civilians have been wounded or killed, including 2,500 children. 

Just last week, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution on the return of Ukrainian children. It calls on Russia to immediately ensure the safe return of all the Ukrainian children it has forcibly transferred or deported, and provides the Secretary-General with a clear mandate to facilitate on this urgent humanitarian imperative. We thank the UN membership for its strong support to this critical issue and expect it will provide concrete progress, first and foremost for children to be re-united with their families.

Colleagues, almost four years into Russia’s unprovoked full-scale war of aggression, it needs, I’m afraid, to be repeated: we cannot allow an aggressor state to attempt to change borders by force. Not in Ukraine, not anywhere. Aggressors must never be rewarded. Perpetrators must face justice. I am restating here a basic but fundamental principle of international law and the UN Charter, and all UN Members should openly repeat this call and call out Russia accordingly. 

Some third countries, and actors and entities therein, that continue enabling Russia’s war of aggression must be told to stop doing so. We condemn the continued military support provided by Iran, Belarus, and the DPRK, and urge all countries, including all members of this Council, to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression.

Colleagues, Russia must stop its war and agree to a ceasefire now. And all of us must reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. If we want an end to this unprecedented violation of the UN Charter, to this blatant injustice, and to the terrible suffering that it has brought on the ground, this is the one and only clear signal to send at this critical juncture.

Thank you.