Check against delivery

Madam President, 

I would like to thank the briefers for sharing their assessment of the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 

Let me begin by reiterating a point that we have made time and again: Violations of the Charter have to be condemned by all members of the international community, in unequivocal terms. In the case of Ukraine, this means reiterating our resolute condemnation of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, which is yet another blatant violation of the Charter and international law by Russia.

Russia’s war comes with dramatic and unpredictable consequences beyond Ukraine, but its destructive impact on Ukraine itself – the victim - has been particularly vast in scale and gravity. In its latest report, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has noted a further increase in civilian casualties over in April and May. The aggression has caused over 46,000 civilian casualties, as verified by the UN. 

The EU therefore continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed in Ukraine by Russia in the context of its war of aggression. These include indiscriminate and targeted attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, extrajudicial executions (including summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees), the systematic and widespread use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment (including sexual- and gender-based violence), and unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children and other civilians. 

Russia could end its war now. It could accept a full and unconditional ceasefire, as Ukraine has, and it could, most certainly, simply end its unprovoked war. As in the past, it is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace. 

Madam President,

Let me once again underline our resolute determination to put an end to Russia’s war of aggression and to achieve lasting peace. We, as Europeans, together with Ukraine, have been working tirelessly to this end and we welcome all efforts in that direction. 

We have joined Ukraine and international partners, including the United States, in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days. This pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow for further exchanges of prisoners and, critically, for the return of children. 

Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness to accept a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire without preconditions. It has committed to such a step 100 days ago. For 100 days, in contrast, Russia has refused to. It has further escalated its attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. On Tuesday night, Ukraine reported over 440 Russian drones and over 30 missiles struck densely populated residential areas, including the capital, Kyiv. These are not the actions of a country suing for peace. 

Madam President,

We implore the Council to exert increased pressure for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as a first step. It would provide space for meaningful talks aimed at ending Russia’s war of aggression and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. 

Again, Russia can end this war if it ceases its aggression and withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine immediately, completely and unconditionally, and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders. 

The EU is firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations committed as well as victims’ rights to justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition.

And until Russia ends its war of aggression, we stress again that Ukraine has an inherent right of self-defence under article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine is defending itself, its territory, its people – its statehood. The facts are irrefutable.   

Thank you.