*** A draft resolution on the act of aggression against Ukraine, which was co-sponsored by Norway, was not adopted ***
President,
Norway voted in favor of the draft Resolution. We deeply regret Russia's veto.
Preventing and ending acts of aggression is a direct responsibility of this Council. A veto cast on a resolution addressing this - and that by the aggressor itself - undermines the purpose of the Security Council. It is a violation of the very foundation of the UN Charter.
Furthermore, in the spirit of the Charter, Russia as a party should have abstained from voting on this draft Resolution.
On Wednesday, as we sat here in the council chamber, we could see the shocking first images of what now amounts to a full-scale Russian invasion of a free and independent UN member state.
We can only imagine the hardships the people of Ukraine is going through.
With their tanks, missiles, bombs, planes, warships and cyber-attacks, the Russian Federation’s aggression not only violates the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
It also constitutes a serious breach to international peace and security.
Russia has disregarded the very core principles of the rules-based world order that the United Nations have stood for since the Second World War.
President,
Let me be absolutely clear.
Norway insists that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally stops all fighting and withdraws all of its forces from the territory of Ukraine. Russia must respect the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
Norway expresses full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
Indeed, we already see the dire consequences for civilians, with causalities and injuries of large numbers of children, women and men.
We fear increased suffering in the time ahead. With potentially large numbers of casualties - children, women and men - and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure such as schools, medical facilities, water and electricity plants.
We see fighting unfolding in and around urban areas. We are deeply concerned about the long-term and protracted harm to the civilian population caused by such warfare. Including by the use of heavy explosive weapons.
We already see mass displacement. This will only increase, together with trauma, family separation, and missing persons. The situation is a tragedy, both for individuals and for the Ukrainian society at large.
The parties to the conflict in Ukraine must comply with their obligations under international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of the civilian population and detainees.
Space for neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action must be protected to ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
This Council must now carry out the great responsibility of its mandate and act in a determined and united manner to stop the ongoing aggression against a UN member state.
We also condemn Belarus for facilitating this attack.
Norway will join our allies and partners in swift and concrete countermeasures. This includes the alignment of Norway to the intensified sanctions of the European Union.
President,
Let me conclude by reiterating Norway’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.