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President,

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, Monaco align themselves with this statement.

I would like to thank ASG Miroslav Jenca for his important briefing.

Madame President,

We are witnessing yet another deeply alarming escalation in Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. In direct violation of the UN Charter, there is now an expansion of military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including through the deployment of DPRK troops to potentially participate in Russia’s illegal war of aggression. 

There must be unequivocal and universal condemnation of these developments, with no caveats. Participation of DPRK troops in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine would constitute an additional serious breach of international law, including the principles of the UN Charter. It would represent a unilateral hostile act by the DPRK, at the reckless invitation of Russia, with grave consequences for European and global peace and security. The EU is ready to explore necessary actions as a response, in coordination with international partners. DPRK must immediately stop providing support to Russia’s illegal war efforts.

In June, the Security Council discussed DPRK’s illegal and destabilising behaviour as demonstrated by its continued pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its deepening military cooperation with Russia, particularly through arms transfers. These arms transfers openly violate UNSC resolutions and undermine peace and security in Europe and on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK's ongoing support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine illustrates how closely linked European security is to that of the Indo-Pacific.

With its disturbing shift of position on the denuclearisation of the DPRK, Russia relinquishes its key obligation from the Non-Proliferation Treaty including to prevent nuclear proliferation and violates multiple Security Council resolutions adopted with Russia's support.

Russia’s deepening military cooperation with the DPRK sends a clear message that it is not sincerely interested in a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. Instead, Russia is escalating its aggression by desperately seeking any help for its war, including from actors that are disrupting global peace and security.

The EU strongly condemns third countries’ continued support for Russia’s war of aggression and urges them to cease all assistance. This includes not only direct military support but also the provision of dual-use goods and sensitive items that sustain Russia’s military-industrial base.

President,

Tomorrow, Russia has once again convened this Council in an attempt to divert attention and resources from its aggression against Ukraine and the dramatic consequences for Ukraine and the world. It is an abuse of the UN system.

Ukraine enjoys an inherent right to self-defence and to regain full control of all of its territory within its internationally recognized borders. Supporting Ukraine and its people to defend themselves from Russia’s aggression is therefore legitimate and fully in line with international law and the UN Charter. We will continue to support Ukraine, and to defend the UN Charter, in response to Russia’s aggression, and will do so for as long as it takes.

President,

The EU strongly supports a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the UN Charter. Under the Charter, Russia - the aggressor - must withdraw all its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine – it must stop attempting to annex illegally occupied territories, stop targeting civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure, and most certainly stop recruiting foreign troops to help it expand its war. Any serious proposals for peace must be based on the Charter and international law, as clearly laid out by the UN General Assembly in its resolutions. All countries desiring a just, comprehensive and lasting peace should keep conveying this UN message, loudly and clearly, to Russia’s leadership.

I thank you.

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