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President, 

The Candidate Countries 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.

President,

The EU reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter. I would like to thank DPPA and OCHA 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, 

After countless Council meetings to address Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, where we have each repeated our core concerns and messages time and again, we should all be able to agree on at least one thing: that a full and unconditional ceasefire is what is needed now as a necessary condition for meaningful peace discussions. 

Many of us, many of you, have called repeatedly for a ceasefire on several occasions and in different formats. Many have done so while stressing the importance of an end to this war grounded in the UN Charter, international law, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as applicable to all UN member states. 

Now is the time to make this a reality: End this illegal war and  suffering, and achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter and international law. We welcome all efforts towards achieving such a peace. We, as Europeans, together with Ukraine, have been working tirelessly to this end.

The EU joins Ukraine, the US, and other international partners in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days. This pause in hostilities would serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow for further exchanges of prisoners and the return of abducted children. 

It would also provide space for meaningful talks aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to accept a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire without preconditions, committing to such a step months ago. President Zelenskyy travelled to Türkiye for direct talks with Russia’s President, which unfortunately never materialized.

As has been the case from the beginning of this war, it is now for Russia to show its own willingness to achieve peace. To date, it has not done so. Last weekend, it launched its largest attack on Ukraine’s cities since the 2022 invasion, reportedly firing 355 drones and killing 13 people. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has noted the increase in civilian casualties resulting from Russia’s aggression over the past months. In April, at least 209 civilians were killed and 1,146 injured. Russia’s campaign of systematic air strikes against Ukraine’s civilians and civilian critical infrastructure has not only not stopped, but has intensified. It violates international humanitarian law and must finally stop, now. 

Colleagues,

We must all reiterate our continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, under the Charter. The EU will continue to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. 

The Council must exert full, principled, and effective diplomatic pressure for a full and unconditional ceasefire, and for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. We implore you to do so immediately. 

Thank you.