EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine - OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1144
Mr Chair, we resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of international law including the UN Charter as well as the OSCE’s core principles and commitments.
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 and underpinned by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. We reiterate that borders must not be changed by force and the aggressor cannot be rewarded. 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. Yet, with its actions Russia continues to show its preference for escalation over peace efforts, with an unprecedented increase in civilian casualties. Independent reports, including from the UN, provide clear evidence of this alarming trend. Last weekend as well, Russia continued its sustained air campaign against Ukrainian cities and frontline regions, with at least 14 reported killed and over 100 injured.
Ukraine is not alone. The EU and its Member States will continue our multi-faceted support to Ukraine and its people, including political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support. We also continue to put pressure on Russia to prevent it from sustaining its war, including with the latest 21st package of sanctions. Responding to Russia’s relentless attacks on civilians, infrastructure and cultural heritage, the new list includes more than 50 military-industrial entities, including key actors involved in the production of Russia's long-range drones.
Mr. Chair, last week Russia also attacked Latvia's Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk. The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn this act. Diplomatic and consular premises, together with their personnel, are protected under international law, and attacks that endanger them are unacceptable. This incident further demonstrates Russia's continued disregard for international law. We stand in full solidary with Latvia and Ukraine.
Furthermore, the airspace of Romania was breached four times in four days by drone incursions. These reckless acts are direct results of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia bears full responsibility for the consequences of its escalatory behaviour and its continued military actions, which threaten the security of EU citizens, regional stability and international peace. We express our full solidarity with Romania. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security of Romania and of all Member States and stand ready to accelerate efforts to strengthen protection against such threats, including through Eastern Flank Watch, and other initiatives to consolidate European Defence Readiness. We will continue to advance its initiatives, aimed at strengthening defence of all EU land, air, and maritime borders capabilities – including on the Eastern flank, reinforcing defence readiness and consolidating resilience. We will continue to uphold that the EU is better equipped to act and deal in a coordinated way, with a 360° approach. Russia’s continuing serious violation of the sovereign airspace of the European Union’s Member States only reinforces our resolve to support Ukraine. We commend the Romanian authorities for their swift and effective response.
The EU and its Member States 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 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.
Thank you.
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.