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

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President,

Thank you to the Somali Presidency for convening this meeting. Thank you to the briefers for their updates. We also use this opportunity to welcome the Council’s new members.

We meet as Russia continues to escalate its war of aggression against Ukraine in ever more brutal ways. 

In recent days, and while peace talks intensify, Russia has intensified its attacks in Ukraine, cynically striking civilian energy, heating and water infrastructure in the midst of winter, and deliberately targeting civilians, including women, children and humanitarian workers. Last Thursday, Russia struck Ukraine with a reported 242 drones and 36 missiles. Among these an Oreshnik hypersonic missile targeting Lviv, just 60km from the Polish border, where it hit residential buildings and energy infrastructure. The Qatari embassy was also damaged. Russia has also significantly stepped up attacks on the city and port of Odesa, a crucial hub for global food security. This is an unacceptable escalation and further sign that Russia is not interested in ending its war of aggression and stop the killing. The EU recalls that intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks, constitute violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.

As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, an illegal and unprovoked military action, all efforts should be geared towards achieving a just and lasting peace. How can Russia justify its actions and pretend to be committed to peace? It continues to spread false claims to distract attention, including that Ukraine allegedly attacked a residence of Putin to distract attention from its years-long and escalating brutality.

The reality is that while Russia escalates, Ukraine is committed to peace. It has agreed to an immediate ceasefire already nearly a year ago and continues every day to advocate for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, in line with the decisions by the General Assembly and the UN Charter. Peace talks have been intensifying and have made progress. The EU will sustain these diplomatic efforts with Ukraine towards a just and lasting peace, in accordance with international law, together with the United States and other partners.  

We urge Russia to agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire, and call on all members of this Council to rally behind this objective and push Moscow to engage in meaningful negotiations. The UNSC should exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the only country that openly violates resolution 2774 and to stop the killing. 

Third countries, and actors and entities therein, that continue enabling Russia’s war of aggression must 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.

For peace to be just and lasting, borders must not be changed by force – not in Ukraine, and not anywhere- and any future agreement must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and ability to defend itself.

In this regard, the EU and Member States are ready to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine, notably through the Coalition of the Willing and in cooperation with the United States. This will include supporting Ukraine’s ability to deter aggression and defend itself effectively.

President,

I conclude by reaffirming the EU’s continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In coordination with our allies, we will continue to pursue an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting peace, and to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

I thank you.