EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1141

Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, which is directly assaulting the principles of the UN Charter and manifestly violating the OSCE’s core principles and commitments. Every day we hear of the death, destruction and suffering it brings, including here through the statements of all the intervening participating States.

The EU and its Member States support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We urge Russia to show genuine willingness regarding peace, agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations towards a just and lasting peace, respecting Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to actively participate in peace efforts.

We also reaffirm our strong commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Our multi-faceted support to Ukraine and its people remains unwavering, including political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support.

At the same time, putting pressure on Russia equally continues as an integral part of our efforts, including through sanctions, strengthening the enforcement of existing measures and closing loopholes, and further reinforcing the anti-circumvention measures. These target Russia’s war economy, supporting efforts to end its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and addressing war crimes and destabilisation. 

Twenty packages of sanctions against Russia were adopted thus far, the first one on 22 February 2022 in response to Russian recognition of the non-government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and sending of troops into the region with the second package following already on 25 February, after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The latest package was adopted on 23 April of this year, also targeting the Russian military-industrial complex, with a focus on companies and individuals involved in the development and manufacturing of military goods, denying Russian military enterprises the purchase of valuable EU technology and further restricting the provision of dual-use goods or weapons systems from third countries.

Last year, additional restrictive measures were imposed on three Russian entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons by Russian troops in Ukraine.

The latest set of restrictive measures to combat Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, its hybrid activities and its systematic disregard for international law was adopted two weeks ago. Among entities targeted were manufacturers and suppliers of drones and other military equipment to the Russian armed forces for use in the war.

All these measures serve as a peaceful instrument to defend international law and to strengthen security and peace. As High Representative Kaja Kallas said after the latest adoption “Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated EUR 1 to 1.3 trillion”, money that Russia cannot use on waging its war of aggression.

Mr Chair, we call on Russia to stop its aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

We urge all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, whether direct or indirect, and notably through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In particular, we strongly condemn the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces in the war against Ukraine as well as the continued military support provided to Russia by Belarus, Iran and the DPRK, among others.

We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the three OSCE staff members, Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov, and expect an update from the OSCE Secretary General on ongoing efforts to secure their release.

Thank you.

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.