EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1151 - Vienna, 28 October 2026

1. The intensification of attacks by the Russian Federation across Ukraine in September continued a pattern of civilian casualties in 2026 far exceeding levels verified in previous years, with devastating consequences for civilians.

2. Mr Chair, what we just quoted is what the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said when it released its latest monthly update on civilian harm earlier this month.  Independent reporting continues to show the impact of Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine on the country and its population. The EU and its Member States strongly condemn the recent serious escalation by Russia, including large-scale missile and drone attacks against civilians in Ukraine. 

3. Coming back to the latest update from the Monitoring Mission, it reported at least 328 civilians killed and 2 105 injured in September, making the total number of killed and injured that month 85 per cent higher than in September 2025. In Kyiv alone civilian casualties were recorded on 22 of 30 days, more frequently than in any previous month since the start of the full-scale invasion. The trend of high civilian casualties continues this month, making the first two weeks of October one of the deadliest periods for civilians in years. 

4. The Mission’s update also highlighted Russia’s resumed large-scale coordinated attacks on electricity and heating infrastructure across Ukraine. We strongly condemn Russia for systematically and deliberately targeting Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure.

5. As High Representative Kallas underlined last week, “Ukraine wants peace more than anybody because they have been under bombardment for already four years now, and the fifth year is going on [...] Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, already one and a half years ago. Who hasn't agreed is Russia.”

6. 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 urge Russia to show genuine willingness regarding peace, agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations.

7. On 23 October, the cargo ship Khoryv was struck by a drone in the exclusive economic zone of Romania, one nautical mile outside its territorial waters. The ship caught fire and sank. Of the crew, nine were rescued, one died, and three remain missing. The EU and its Member States express solidarity with Romania and strongly condemn the attack. In light of continued Russian attacks on maritime transport, the EU is engaging with international partners to promote safe passage for civilian and commercial shipping in the Black Sea. We call on Russia to abide by international law and its OSCE commitments. 

8. The European Union strongly condemns the act of sabotage in Brașov on 14 September. After a thorough assessment, Romanian authorities confirmed that a network co-ordinated from the Russian Federation deliberately set fire to an industrial site, next to defence industry manufacturer Carfil. The EU stands in full solidarity with Romania.

9. What happened in Brasov was not an isolated incident. Since 2022, we have seen persistent, coordinated, and long-standing hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience and democratic foundations of the EU, its Member States and its partners, as well as undermining support to Ukraine and its ability to defend itself. Acts of sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, information manipulation and interference are becoming more frequent and more brazen. We stand in full solidarity with all EU Member States and countries that are affected by Russia’s actions.

10. Mr Chair, Europe’s support for Ukraine, together with our international partners, is stronger than ever and remains steadfast. We will continue our multi-faceted support, including political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

11. The EU and its Member States continue to 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.

12. We reiterate our call on 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.

13. Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States resolutely condemn Russia’s 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.

14. We 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, Georgia, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.