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Mr le President, permettez-moi tout d’abord de féliciter la France pour sa présidence du conseil et de vous souhaiter un plein succès.

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, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

I thank the presidency for the opportunity to address the Council. I also thank the briefers. As this is the first meeting of the Council on Ukraine this year, I want to express the EU’s appreciation to the Council for its continued focus on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its consequences for international peace and security.

President,

It is almost two years since Russia, a permanent member of this Council thus bearing a special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, decided to violate one of the core rules of international law by launching a fully-fledged war of aggression against its neighbour, a fellow United Nations member. Inspired by the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, the international community has come together, including here at the UN, to condemn this unprovoked aggression and defend the UN Charter. This year again, we must continue to stand together, with Ukraine and in defense of the founding principles of this organization. We call on the Security Council to assume its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

President,

For the people of Ukraine, 2023 ended, and 2024 began, with massive Russian missile and drone attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure in the midst of winter. As it unsuccessfully attempted last winter, Russia aims to destroy the morale and resilience of the Ukrainian people. In late December and early January, it carried out the largest strikes since the start of its aggression. The EU condemns the intensification of Russia’s campaign of systematic air strikes against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. We reiterate the need to protect civilians, an obligation of all UN members. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has confirmed that more than 10.000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine, and more than 18.500 injured, since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The true toll is probably substantially higher.

In this regard, we also condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression provided by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK, and we continue to urge all countries not to provide weapons and military equipment, including missiles and drones or other support for Russia’s war of aggression. We urge the DPRK and Russia to abide by the successive UN Security Council resolutions which clearly prohibit any arms exports or imports involving the DPRK.

We also remain very concerned about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and Russia’s refusal to grant IAEA monitors access to the plant’s reactors. Russia must urgently withdraw from the ZNPP and return control to its legitimate owner, Ukraine.

Humanitarian access remains critical, and we call on Russia to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas under its temporary military control.

The negative consequences of Russia’s aggression are not limited to Ukraine. Russia’s deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities, as well as its actions to hinder the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, show it continues to weaponise food and deliberately undermines global food security. I stress the importance of security and stability in the Black Sea, which is vital for sustainable food exports to global markets, and particularly to countries most in need.

There can be no impunity. Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other most serious crimes under international law, as well as for the massive damage caused by its war. The EU encourages further efforts to establish a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine that would enjoy the broadest cross-regional support and legitimacy, and a future compensation mechanism. We reiterate our support for the work of the International Criminal Court and condemn Russia’s continued attempts to undermine its independence, international mandate and functioning. We also recall the legally binding order of the International Court of Justice of March of 2022, for Russia to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine.

The EU supports all meaningful efforts to bring an end to Russia’s war. The path to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is for the aggressor to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UN General Assembly has stated this very clearly in successive resolutions. The EU will continue its global outreach to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, with a view to a Global Peace Summit with the broadest possible participation. The meeting of National Security Advisors in Davos in a few days is the next important step. The recent large scale prisoner exchange demonstrates the scope for confidence building measures and we welcome the facilitating role played by the UAE.  

President,

I reaffirm the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as well as its inherent right of self-defence.

We will continue to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes.

I thank you.

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