1.Following two FSC meetings during which official discussions on pressing politico-military matters falling under this Forum’s mandate were obstructed by the Russian Federation, we welcome that the FSC can now come back to one of its core tasks of providing a platform for dialogue. Going forward, we now count on reconvening to our weekly meetings in which all delegations are able to deliver their statements and engage in meaningful dialogue. This Forum is a platform for all delegations and not just one.

2.Mr Chair, the developments in these past weeks clearly underline how important it is for all of us to continue our work at the FSC. During this time, Russia has intensified its attacks, resulting in significant numbers of both civilian and military casualties. Many attacks target civilian infrastructure, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. On 25 May, a particularly appalling Russian strike hit a shopping mall in Kharkiv resulting in an initial death toll of 18 civilians. Yet, these actions have not weakened the resolve of Ukrainians. And they can count on the strong support by the EU and its Member States, be it political, military, financial, economic, humanitarian, or diplomatic, for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. In particular, in view of today’s timely Security Dialogue on military education, we highlight the work of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM).

3.EUMAM aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and to deter and respond to possible future military attacks. EUMAM training includes, among others: medical assistance, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear defence training, demining, logistics and communication, as well as maintenance and repair. It also provides leadership and operational training, which includes the preparation of companies, battalions and brigades in collective manoeuvres and tactics.

4.Until today, 52.000 soldiers (15 brigade units) have been trained, with a total of 60.000 soldiers to be trained by summer this year. EUMAM works closely together with other like-minded international partners and is open to the participation of third states, with OSCE participating State Norway already being involved. All mission activities are located on EU soil. The training is supported by the provision of equipment for lethal and non-lethal purposes to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

5.Training is a crucial element for all Armed Forces personnel and can save lives on a daily basis. The most effective life saving measure would be for Russia to end its war of aggression. As such, the EU and its Member States reiterate that Russia must immediately put an end to the unbearable suffering and devastation of Ukraine and its people and completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We also condemn the continued military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine provided by Belarus, as well as Iran and the DPRK. We urge all countries not to provide material or other support for Russia’s war of aggression, which is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and the OSCE’s core principles and commitments. Russia’s hostile and increasingly escalatory rhetoric cannot mask its growing isolation and its huge losses on the battlefield. Russia’s war of aggression must and will fail.

Thank you.

The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, ALBANIA*, UKRAINE, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, GEORGIA, and the EFTA countries ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN and NORWAY, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

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