OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation N°1139 - EU Statement on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

Mr Chair, Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine has now lasted as long as the First World War. In all this time, all that the Russian Federation achieved was to cause death, destruction and suffering to Ukraine and beyond. During this time, Russia has manifestly violated the Charter of the United Nations as well as the OSCE’s core principles and commitments. Russia executed strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, on energy infrastructure including when it was most needed in freezing winter conditions, on cultural heritage sites. Russia used missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Russia threatened civilians and diplomatic missions. Russia deliberately chose to turn a peaceful land into a battlefield, with countless soldiers paying the highest price as they defend their homeland. And by now more and more independent reports provide evidence of Russia’s unacceptable behaviour. Most recently Russian armed and security forces were newly listed among abusers deemed responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence following findings documented by the UN. Russia shows no interest in a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and instead continues on its escalatory path.

We commend the fortitude, determination and resilience of the Ukrainian people and their leadership in resisting Russia’s war of aggression and defending their land. Notwithstanding Russia’s efforts Ukraine has managed to stand its ground and push back against Russia’s enormous pressure, preventing Russia from achieving its military and strategic objectives. Standing by Ukraine, the EU and its Member States will continue to provide multi-faceted support, including political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support.

We resolutely condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We underline our strong support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We urge Russia to agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire which is a prerequisite for any meaningful peace negotiations. We reiterate that for peace to be just and lasting, it must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions as well as the Crimean Peninsula are Ukraine. 

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.

The EU and its Member States also 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 by Belarus, Iran and the DPRK, among others.

Mr Chair, the EU and its Member States express full solidarity and support to Romania following the drone explosion in the port of Constanta last Friday, one week after a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into a residential building in Galați. These incidents are a direct consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn the repeated violations of the sovereign territory of the European Union’s Member States and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security of all Member States.

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