OSCE Permanent Council No. 1567 - EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine
For 1562 days Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has inflicted immense civilian suffering and widespread destruction. In a large-scale attack on 1–2 June targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, numerous people were reportedly killed and more than 100 injured, including children and rescuers. During the attack, Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles of various types.
These relentless attacks prove yet again that Russia chooses war over peace. We call on Russia to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace by agreeing to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire. In coordination with our international partners, the EU will intensify pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations and end its aggression.
We reaffirm our support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as well as to all efforts to secure a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, rooted in international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. The OSCE plays and will continue to play a role in view of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The EU and its Member States stand in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, offering comprehensive support and preparing to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees, based on their respective competences and capabilities and in line with international law.
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 by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK, among others.
Mr Chair,
On 1 June, the International Day for the Protection of Children, we honoured all children whose lives had been shattered by Russia’s war of aggression. Based on United Nations data, from February 2022 to April 2026, 791 children were killed and 2,752 injured across Ukraine. Ukraine’s children have endured unimaginable suffering: injured by indiscriminate attacks; displaced, forcibly transferred or deported from their homes; subjected to indoctrination and militarisation; and deprived of their right to education, healthcare, safety, and of a childhood free from fear. We remain committed to the protection of children as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and demand the immediate and safe return to Ukraine of all deported or forcibly transferred children.
We also reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners of war and of all unlawfully detained civilians, including the three OSCE staff members—Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
The EU is determined to hold Russia accountable for all violations of international law in its war of aggression against Ukraine. We acknowledge the valuable work of the ODIHR and the OSCE Human Dimension Mechanisms in supporting these efforts.
Mr Chair,
Earlier this week, we condemned Russia’s violation of Romania’s airspace. We repeat that 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 stand in full solidarity with all EU Member States and countries that continue to be provoked and threatened by Russia.
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.